Don’t be embarrassed– it happens to the best of us. You can try as hard as you can, carve out time every day, and still find yourself forgetting to pray. Or sometimes, you remember to pray but you’re just not sure what to pray for or how to start. Well, luckily for all of us, our Holy Father Pope Francis has a quick trick for anyone needing some extra prayer inspiration or remembrance. Not only does this prayer method outline the basic elements of proper prayer, but it involves something you see everyday– your hand! Keep reading to learn about Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer.

1. The Thumb

The thumb is the finger closest to you, so pray for your family and friends first. These are the people you see every day and interact with the most– they deserve your prayers and intentions. Try thinking of a friend who is struggling, or a family member who needs special intentions and offer up a prayer for them.

2. The Index Finger

This is the finger used to teach, discipline, and communicate. When you pray, take time to offer intentions for those who teach and inspire you– those who help you grow and learn as a person. Think of someone who has made a positive impact on your life, such as a teacher or supervisor and pray that they receive the knowledge and strength to continue teaching you and others.

3. The Third Finger

This is the tallest finger– remember to pray for the giants in society, such as those who lead our country, our Church, and our world. They need constant guidance and wisdom from the Lord to make right and just decisions. Pray for those that have authority over you. Remember that power implies responsibility and obligation which isn’t a simple feat. Think of a local politician, church leader, or authority figure and pray that they receive the knowledge, patience, and proper judgement that comes with their position.

4. The Ring Finger

This is the weakest finger, and it reminds us to pray for the weakest members of society. Be it those who are homeless, refugees, the dying, or the sick, remember to offer intentions for the marginalized groups in society. These are people often overlooked, so they are in desperate need of our prayers. Think of those people who don’t have the same blessings you do, and offer a prayer that they might receive blessings and grace from God.

And finally… 

5. The Pinky

As the smallest finger, let your pinky remind you to pray for yourself. After praying for the previous four groups, you can then pray for yourself with proper perspective. However, while your intentions may be different from other groups of people, don’t forget that every intention is worth bringing to God. No problem is too big or too small.  He wants to hear it all.

Information gathered from: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3396

Post written by Katie Karpinski