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Five Finger Prayer
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Your thumb is nearest you. So, begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty”.
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and priests. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in the Church, business and industry. These people shape our nations and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many, is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly, the little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. |
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Prayer to the
Holy Spirit
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Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world but to seek the things that are eternal.
Grant me the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth.
Grant me the Spirit of Right Judgment that I may choose the surest way of pleasing God.
Grant me the Spirit of Courage that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome all the obstacles that oppose my salvation.
Grant me the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself.
Grant me the Spirit of Reverence that I may find the service of God sweet and attractive.
Grant me the Spirit of Wonder and Awe that I may be filled with loving reverence towards God and may avoid anything that would displease him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of your true disciples and animate me in all things with your Spirit. Amen. |
A PRAYER FOR OUR
MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN
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Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy! Protect our soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength, and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on our departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) |
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