Linnae Peterson
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Giving Prayer a Hand

5/2/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
As you well know, children so best when they can touch and see the things they are learning. There are many ways to help children to begin the practice of prayer. This “5 finger” prayer helps us to remember to pray for others in a simple and concrete way.
The 5 finger prayer
The Thumb- Pray for those closest to you, your family and those you see every day
The Pointer finger- Pray for those who help us, teachers, doctors, even the waiters and store clerks.
The Tall finger- Pray for our leaders, in school, government, and church
The Fourth finger- Pray for those who are sick, weak or small
The Little finger- Pray for ourselves, for all that we need.
 
 
Book
Praying with My Finger  Paraclete Press
 
 

Activity

Trace your child’s hand on a piece of paper and let them color to remember the people they are praying for, or copy pictures of what they want to pray for and let your child paste them on the page.
 
 
Prayer
Pray the 5 finger prayer together with your child each night.
With each finger pray first and then have your child pray.
End the prayer with a “Thank you” to God for our hands.


2 Comments
Lisa Chisholm-Smith
5/4/2016 10:55:50 am

I have heard some versions of this finger prayer in which it is emphasized that you pray for yourself with the smallest finger to recognize that your concerns are the least important. I'm not keen on that line of thinking. Does this book introduce the small finger prayer like that?

Reply
Linnae Peterson
5/4/2016 11:48:05 am

The text for the little finger is " Last is my pinkie, which wiggles I see and reminds me to pray now, just or me" . I like that it doesn't go to the I'm the least school of thought. Strikes me as kind of playful language.

Reply



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    FaithSprouts Blog

    FaithSprouts was created to help encourage spiritual conversations and experiences between toddlers and preschoolers and their parents and caregivers. Each one includes a book to read, activates to do and prayers to share, which will young children to the stories of faith and the wonder of God’s love. 

    Linnae Peterson

    Linnae Himsl Peterson began exploring ways to engage families in practicing faith many moons ago. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and teen. There she writes, leads retreats, consults with area churches and is trying to use up her fabric and yarn stashes.


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