Learning to Pray: The Hand Prayer Model or 5 Finger Prayer
Learning to pray can feel awkward, especially if you don’t do it often. Truthfully, there are times when I still feel awkward praying. That’s okay. That’s why tools like the hand prayer model exist.
The hand prayer model, also called the five finger prayer, is an excellent way to learn to pray. Each finger represents either a specific person or group to pray for or a type of prayer to pray. The hand prayer, or five finger prayer, has many benefits that strengthen your prayer life.
So, let’s dive into the five finger prayer and discover the multiple ways that it can serve as a guide for our prayers.
The Hand Prayer Model (a.k.a. The Five Finger Prayer)
The hand prayer model, or the 5 finger prayer, whatever you want to call it, is a way for us to remember what to pray for or how to pray.
For example, in one version of the hand prayer our fingers to help us remember who to pray for. So, our thumb represents a group of people to pray for. The same with our index finger and on down the line until our little finger. Let’s take a closer look at this version.
| Finger | Who to Pray For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | People Close to You (Family and Friends) | Family and Friends |
| Index Finger | People Who Point the Way (Teachers, Mentors, Pastors, etc.) | Teachers, Mentors, Pastors, etc. |
| Middle Finger | People in Authority (Governement Leaders) | Government Leaders |
| Ring Finger | People in Need (Poor, Orphan, Widow, etc.) | Poor, Sick, Orphan, Widow, etc. |
| Little Finger | You and Your Needs | You |
Thumb: People Close to You
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
When we fold our hands in prayer, it is our thumb that is often closest to our heart. So, our thumb reminds us to pray for the people close to us. In short, our family, friends and loved ones.
We pray for their needs in intercession. We can pray prayers of thanksgiving for them as well. Moreover, we can pray God strengthen them in faith, love, peace, unity, etc. so that they may come to experience God in a real way (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Index Finger: People Who Point the Way
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
Our index finger is often called the pointer finger. So, we can pray for those who point the way in our life. This can include teachers, mentors, bosses, pastors, authors, etc. Anyone who helps point us in the right direction.
We can pray and ask God to give them wisdom in guiding others. Or we can pray God supports them as they boldly lead others in the right way.
Middle Finger: People in Authority
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2
The third finger is our middle finger. It is also our tallest finger. So, we can pray for those in authority over us. Namely, those in government or other leaders. This can include military personnel as well as emergency management professionals.
We can pray that God gives them wisdom and guidance as they lead us. This is also a perfect moment to pray for world peace.
Ring Finger: People in Need
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27
Our ring finger, or fourth finger, is often considered our weakest finger. So, when we get to this finger in our prayers, we can pray for those in need including: poor, orphans, widows, those sick with illness, and even those persecuted by others.
It is impossible to pray too much for these people. Praying for others that we don’t often think about helps us see the world the way God does. I’ve found praying for the homeless that I see, has made more more compassionate and caring toward them and others.
Little Finger: You and Your Needs
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
Last we come to our little finger. So, after praying for others and their needs, we can then pray for our needs. This is putting others first in prayer.
It is not wrong or selfish to pray for ourselves. Often times, I’ve found myself really vulnerable before God and come to recognize my complete dependence on Him.
I’ve created a five finger prayer worksheet and guide to help you remember what each finger means of the hand prayer model. You can print it out to serve as a reminder or even as a worksheet if you want. Just click the button below to get it!
Example Using the Five Finger Prayer
Father, I thank you for providing me with family and friends. Through them, I can experience your love. Help me not to take it for granted. Also, may you continue to bless my family and friends. May we grow even closer together to share more in your love.
I pray for the pastors at my Church. Give them wisdom to lead as you would have them lead. Guide their paths as they begin planning new sermons and lessons. Give them wisdom and discernment as they encourage and lead your people through unprecedented times. Remind them you are with them.
I pray for the government as they too lead through these times. May you fill their souls with peace that they may lead calmly and clearly. Give them wisdom and discernment to do what is right for the people of this land. May they strive for justice, humility, and mercy.
Father, I also pray for the needy. Children are going hungry. People are sick and dying. Father, we need the hands of the Healer. We need you. I pray also for those who are persecuted because of their faith. Help them to find courage and strength in the gospel.
Lastly, Father, I pray for me. I pray that you continue to guide me as I write this blog. May I grow closer to you through this process. And help me to live for you. To have the courage to do so. To write and live for your glory. Amen.
Variation of the Five Finger Prayer
A variation of the hand prayer model, or the five finger prayer, uses the different prayer types. In this alternative, each finger represents a way that we can pray and approach God.
If you want to know more about the different types of prayer, then check out this article. It goes through each type of prayer and looks at its focus, purpose, and key elements. This helps us distinguish the differences between each type of prayer mentioned in the Bible.
Let’s take a closer look at this variation of the hand prayer model below.
| Finger | Type of Prayer | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Praise and Worship | “God, I love you because…” |
| Index Finger | Confession | “God, I am sorry for…” |
| Middle Finger | Intercession | “God, be with…” |
| Ring Finger | Petition | “God, please…” |
| Little Finger | Thanksgiving | “God, thank you for…” |
Thumb: Praise and Worship
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Psalm 100:4
Praise focuses on expressing love and worship. Thus, they are sometimes called prayers of worship. Adoration praises God, His nature and character, without focusing on specific requests.
Praise shifts our mindset and helps us see the bigger picture. It serves as a reminder of the greatness and glory of God. He is worthy of all praise. I’ve noticed how prayer has changed how I view the circumstances that I go through.
Index Finger: Confession
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
Confession is a type of prayer that focuses on acknowledging sins. Prayers of confession seek forgiveness, healing, and redemption. They involve a sincere and humble admission of one’s faults before God, seeking forgiveness and repentance.
Confession is not just listing the wrongs that we’ve done. It recognizes our need and dependence on God. It opens the door that leads to spiritual growth and healing, fostering humility, self-awareness, and maturity.
Middle Finger: Intercession
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18
Intercession is a type of prayer that focuses on praying for others. It is similar to prayers of petition in that it seeks God’s provision and assistance, but it focuses on other people and not ourselves.
Intercession is a display of the gospel. We put ourselves in the gap, seeking divine intervention on behalf of others. Intercession helps us not only view the world the way God does, but seek to do something about it as well. Graciously, Jesus and the Holy Spirit consistently and constantly intercede for us!
Ring Finger: Petition
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Petition is a type of prayer that focuses on requesting personal needs or guidance from God. This often the type of prayer that we first think of when we hear the word prayer. Prayers of petition ask God to intervene or provide on our behalf.
Petition recognizes our need and dependency on God. God wants to hear from us, about the things we care about. So, we can talk to God about anything and everything, including our needs, wants, and even our dreams.
Pinky Finger: Thanksgiving
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Thanksgiving is a type of prayer that expresses gratitude to God. Thanksgiving acknowledges God’s inherent goodness and the blessings He has shown us in life.
We can conclude this version of the prayer in a similar way that we began, with our focus on God. Thanksgiving once again, gives us the opportunity to see the bigger picture. God is worthy of constant thanks, as He is of constant praise. We praise God for who He is and we thank Him for what He’s done.
Correcting Common Misconceptions with the Hand Prayer Model
Misconception: Rigidity in Finger Assignments
Clarification: While the Hand Prayer Model traditionally assigns specific meanings to each finger, it’s essential to remember that the five finger prayer is just a guide. The model offers a flexible framework rather than rigid rules, allowing you to adapt it to your personal needs and circumstances.
So, feel free to change the order of the fingers or their meaning to suit you. The overall goal is simply using your hand to help you pray. Whatever that looks like for you. Which actually brings us to the second misconception.
Misconception: Formulaic Approach to Prayer
Clarification: The Hand Prayer Model is not meant to enforce a strict formula for prayer. Rather than approaching it as a checklist, I want to encourage you to use the model as a guide to cultivate a holistic and sincere conversation with the God. Flexibility and personalization are key.
So, if you are praying and forget what a specific finger means, that’s okay. It is better to approach God sincerely and personally anyway.
The five finger prayer is simply a tool to help you learn to pray. If you want to learn more about prayer, then check out these articles. This one discusses how to start a prayer, including what words to use and the right posture. And this article, discusses how to close your prayer and what “Amen” really means.
Benefits of the Five Finger Prayer
Overall, the five finger guide, or hand prayer guide, has numerous benefits. Especially for new Christians or those learning to pray. These benefits might include,
- Comprehensive Prayer Structure
- Holistic Spiritual Growth
- Enhanced Gratidute and Positivity
- Deepened Self-Reflection and Relationship with God
- Cultivation of Empathy and Compassion
- Balanced Petitionary Prayers
- Encouragement of Regular Prayer
Simply put, it can help you not only learn how to pray, but also the different types of prayer as well. As you grow in your faith you can grow away from using this model if you want. God wants you to have a conversation with Him, and if this helps then that is wonderful!
Personally, I have found the five finger prayer helpful in remembering to not treat God like a magical genie that grants my every wish. I find it far too easy for me to just list wants, needs, or even complaints, but the hand prayer model helps me remember to show love, gratitude, and confess my sins.
Hopefully, it can help you too.
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Building a Bible Study Routine Guide
Want to build a Bible study habit? Sign up for our monthly newsletter and we will send you our free Building a Bible Study Routine Guide. You’ll discover your ideal Bible study method and create a customized schedule. Plus, much more.
Here is what you can expect as a Bible Wonderlife subscriber:
-Welcome email with your Free Guide right now!
-Monthly emails with a brief devotional.
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