Raising A Child Who Praysনমুনা

Five-Finger Prayer

Children are precious gifts God has entrusted to us until adulthood. It is our responsibility to help them develop into mature adults who have great power on bended knees. As a pastor I am brutally aware that your words, as a parent, will mean more to your kids than mine will ever mean. Especially in their formative years they cling to your words. You cannot hold to an ecclesiastical framework that pins the work of parenting on the shoulders of spiritual leaders or the organized church. They are your kids! The final responsibility is yours!

Try today’s prayer exercise with your child:

Five-Finger Prayer

The five-finger prayer has become rather popular in children’s circles. Have your child hold out one hand. Each finger from the thumb to the pinky can be used to represent someone in their life. For example:

• The thumb: Pray for someone close to them—perhaps a family member.
• The index finger: Say a prayer for someone who points them in the right direction. This can be a school teacher, a babysitter, or a Sunday school teacher.
• The middle finger: Pray for someone who is in a significant position of leadership, like the president of our country, your governor, or your pastor.
• The ring finger: Say a prayer for a kid who is having family problems. Perhaps his mom and dad are experiencing marriage problems. Pray for the healing of their relationship.
• The pinky finger: Pray for a friend and for himself.