Madam – Many believers find that prayer, especially spending long times in prayer, can be one of the hardest parts of spiritual discipline.
It takes a lot of faith to begin to pray. The Prayer Hand is an easy way to remember the five essential aspects of prayer: Confession, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving and Praise. Pray through each of these five purposes, using the Prayer Hand to walk through each. Remember that prayer is ultimately about aligning our own hearts with God’s. Praises to God should permeate every part of our prayer.
The little finger represents confession – I agree with God about my sin.
The ring finger represents petition – I ask God to provide for my needs.
The middle finger represents intercession – I ask God to provide for the needs of others.
The index finger represents thanksgiving – Thank God for what He has done in, through, and for me. Also thank Him for His answers to prayers in the lives of those around me and for His ongoing work across the nation and the world.
The thumb represents praise – Let enjoyment and adoration of God overflow into words. As the thumb is able to touch all four other fingers, so praise should permeate every part of your prayer life.
F-A-C-T-S: The Five Elements of Prayer
F – Faith: Believe that God exists.
A – Adoration: God is certainly worthy of our praise, love, adoration, and worship.
C – Confession: Unconfessed sin breaks our fellowship with God and is a hindrance to answered prayer.
T – Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving and gratitude to God should not be lacking in the Christian’s heart and mouth.
S – Supplication: Supplication is when we bring our needs, requests and petitions before God not only for ourselves but also for others.
Marina Minnaar
