Five Finger Prayer

Not sure how to pray? The Five Finger Prayer is a simple way to remember who to include in your prayers. Each finger represents a different person or group of people, making it easier to bring the needs of others before God.

This method can also be a wonderful way to teach children how to pray. By looking at their hand, they have an easy reminder of family, friends, leaders, people in need, and their own needs. We hope these prayers encourage you to make prayer a regular part of each day and remind you of the power of praying for others.

Each one of these fingers Guides me in prayer. Byron Pulsifer

Updated October 3, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Prayer To Serve

Oh Lord The Almighty,
I have five fingers upon my hand,
Each one of these fingers
Guides me in prayer.

My thumb is closer to thee Oh Lord,
And it tells me to pray
For all those that
Are close to me
My family and my friends.

My next finger tells me
To pray for those that are in need
For those that need help
And for me to help those
Who are less able to help themselves.

My highest finger
Tells me to pray for those
That lead our country,
That ensure our freedom so
That we may always worship thee
Without restriction or persecution.

My fourth finger tells me to pray
For all God's children
Across the world
Who are in desperate need

My smallest finger tells me
To pray for God's little children
For all those children that need guidance
That need love and attention
That need to feed in the word of God.

All my fingers serve your desires, Oh Lord,
That help me to remember in prayer
All those that need your guidance and love
Each and every day.

Using Your Fingers To Pray

By Cardinal Bergoglio

Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray for these intentions in order.

1. The Thumb

The thumb is the closest finger to you. Start by praying for those who are closest to you. They are often the people who come to mind most easily, such as your family and friends.

2. The Index Finger

The next finger is the index finger. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you, and heal you. They need support and wisdom as they guide and care for others. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The Tallest Finger

The tallest finger reminds us of our leaders, governors, and those who have authority. Pray that God will give them wisdom and guidance.

4. The Ring Finger

The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is considered our weakest finger. Let it remind you to pray for the weak, the sick, and those facing difficulties. They need your prayers.

5. The Smallest Finger

Finally, we have our smallest finger. Let your pinkie remind you to pray for yourself. After praying for the needs of others, you may see your own needs from a different perspective and bring them before God in prayer.

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Conclusion

The Five Finger Prayer shows us that prayer does not have to be complicated. Something as simple as looking at our hand can remind us of the many people who need our prayers. We can pray for those we love, those who help and guide others, our leaders, people who are struggling, and finally ourselves.

Whether you use this prayer yourself or teach it to a child, let each finger be a reminder to pause and talk with God. A simple prayer offered with a sincere heart can bring comfort, strengthen our faith, and help us remember the needs of others.

More Short Prayers to Pray