Hands of Prayer

I am always looking for new ways to encourage kids to pray, especially to get them out of the rut of talking/asking/praising about the same things.  I am just as guilty of this- I tend to remember to pray for the people I care most about, immediate situations, and my needs.  The bigger picture and people I don't interact with are likely to be forgotten in typical daily prayer.

Then I remembered this neat technique we used in a Christian club I was in during high school.  It is about using your fingers as memory tricks to help you pray for a wider variety of people.

• Pinky Finger- Smallest and weakest finger-Pray for the sick, dying, weak, homeless, uneducated, etc.
• Ring Finger- Finger that is a symbol of commitment and family- pray for those you are closest to- friends and family
• Middle Finger- Stands up tall- Pray for those in positions of leadership- The president, government leaders, principals, employers, etc.
• Pointer Finger- Points the way- Pray for those who are an example of Christian life- The Pope, bishops, priests, teachers, mentors
• Thumb- Closest to you- Pray for your concerns, plans, hopes, and fears

So I made a coloring page to hang up as a reminder or teaching tool:

 Click here for the printable: