9/06/2021

Lift Up Your Hands in Prayer (Psalm 88:9)

Hold up your left hand.

  1. The thumb is closest to your heart--your family and friends. Pray for them 1st.
  2. The index finger points the way to Jesus and God's will--teachers and leaders be wise in their own lives.
  3. The middle finger, your tallest finger--people in authority who influence society. Lead with integrity.
  4. The ring finger is pretty weak--the vulnerable, elderly, suffering, hungry. Meet their needs/draw them closer to God.
  5. The last finger, pinky--you. OK to pray for yourself...last! Don't start there. Pray for everybody else 1st.
Your right hand.

  1. Thumb, closest to your heart--first thing you pray for is. Guard your heart, because it controls your life (Prov 4:23). Everything flows from the heart! Confess your sin to get your heart right with him.
  2. Index finger signals the number 1--pray for your priorities and schedule. What's most important to make it a priority in your life?
  3. Tallest middle finger stands out--your influence. People see how God has worked in your life. Be an example of his love.
  4. Ring finger--pray for your relationships--your friends, spouse, children, colleagues, supervisors, ministry partners, neighbors.
  5. Little finger--pray for material blessings—it's just not the most important thing, so it's the last thing you pray for.
Piper's concentric circle of prayer:
  1. Myself--the most needy person. Family, kids, grandkids.
  2. Ministry, leaders one by one.
  3. Specific people.

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