Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
The apostle Paul placed great emphasis on having the Christians in Thessalonica and elsewhere pray for him and for the spread of the Gospel message. His entreaty, brethren pray for us, rings from every true evangelist and herald of the cross, as they appeal to us today for our intercession for them before the Throne of Grace. How can we remember to pray for those who carry the Gospel, including those individuals involved in the Great Commission. We need a reminder tool; and you have two of them that are always before you. Every time you look at your hands, use them as prayer points in the following ways:
Your thumb: This is the finger that is the nearest to you. It reminds you to pray for those Gospel preachers who you know and who are commended from and members of your own Assembly, as well as any other preachers or Gospel workers who you know well personally or are related to. These are the easiest to remember, and are the ones you you probably pray for daily. These are the nearest and dearest to you.
Your index finger: The finger you point with reminds you to pray for all those who teach and instruct. These include the missionary teachers and doctors, as well as the evangelists. These people need support and wisdom for pointing others in the right direction.
Your middle finger: The tallest finger on your hand reminds you to pray for those who are leaders and elders among God’s Assemblies, as well as those who are in charge of organizations that provide support services for preachers and missionaries. These people really need our prayerful support at all times.
Your ring finger: Because it is the weakest of our fingers, the ring finger reminds us to pray for all those involved in the Lord’s work who are discouraged, in trouble, or in pain. You would be amazed how large a group this is; earnestly entreat the Lord on their behalf.
Your little finger: The smallest of our fingers reminds us where we should place our own individual wants and desires in relation to the needs of the Gospel. This finger reminds us to place the needs of the unsaved to hear and respond to the Gospel before our own interests and cares.
Look at your hands today and begin praying for the needs of those who carry and support the Gospel. Let each finger remind you for whom you should be praying. -Jim MacIntosh
WOW! AWESOME! I’ve never thought who to pray for in this context before! Thank you so much for showing me this! From now on, when I prepare to pray, I’ll look at the page I’ve printed for Sat.’s message and I will do this properly! I thank our Lord for putting this on your heart for those of us to read when we pray!