• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Young Catholics

Youth Ministry, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Family Resources

  • Resources by Date
  • Resources by Type
  • Resources by Theme
  • Resources by Topic
  • Free Graphics
  • Catholic Gifts
  • Email

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer

Filed Under: Prayers

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer is a way to remember who to pray for.  Use the link below to download a printable PDF aid for this method of prayer instruction:

Printable copy of Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer with full hand image (PDF)

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer

Each finger reminds us of people we should remember in prayer:

The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a ‘sweet obligation.’

So start with the thumb, think of all of those who are dear to you. This is often family and friends. Think of their special needs at this time and pray for them by name.

The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.

Think about those who give you guidance and teach you to follow Jesus. These could be parents, grandparents, teachers, priests, etc.  Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their own lives and help them understand how to help you. Pray for them by name.

The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God’s guidance.

Think about our political and cultural leaders. Pray that they might lead our country and society in a direction which brings us closer to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire them to do what is right. Think of the issues in the news and pray that our leaders have the wisdom to make good decisions in these matters.

The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.

Pray for those on the margins – the poor, the sick, the young, the aged, the unwanted, the ignored, the discarded. Seek inspiration to know how to help the weakest in our society. Ask for the strength and courage to serve others.

And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.

Pray for yourself last. This is a reminder to put the needs of others first and to remember that everyone has challenges in life.  Seek the wisdom to know that God is with you in all that you do and to put your hopes and cares in His hands.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This




Primary Sidebar

St. Agnes of Rome
Thursday, January 21
St. Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. Many eligible young men sought to marry her. But she saw herself as the spouse of Jesus. When she continued to resist, she was condemned to death and was martyred at the age of 13.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Friday, January 22
January 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision and is designated as the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children". It is a day of prayer and penance.
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)
Sunday, January 24
The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to be transformed by the call of Jesus. So possible themes for this Sunday are evangelization, vocations, and discipleship.
The Conversion of St. Paul
Monday, January 25
January 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.  St. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus converted him from a persecutor of Christians to a fully committed follower of Jesus.
Sts. Timothy and Titus
Tuesday, January 26
January 26 is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus.  St. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach ailments. St. Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.
Yes No Game (Youth Group Game)
The Yes No game is a fun activity for your youth group or youth ministry meeting. It can be tied in with teaching by reminding us that we need to say "Yes" to God. It also works well with a meeting focused on our Blessed Mother, whose  "Fiat" ("let it be done") in answer to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation was an affirmation in her complete trust in the Lord.
Getting to Know You Bingo (Youth Group or VBS Game)
Getting to Know You Bingo works well as a VBS game or a youth group game. This set of 20 bingo cards can be used with youth group or Vacation Bible School.
Printable Ten Commandments Cryptogram
Today's activity from Young Catholics is a printable puzzle of the Ten Commandments. A key is also provided, in case you are not an expert in cryptography. :-)
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
St. Patrick's Breastplate is a prayer for protection and guidance. Christ is always with us providing us strength and wisdom.
Make an Origami Dove
Pentecost is right around the corner. Since the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, making origami doves can be a fun craft for kids on this holy day.

Popular

Discovery

© 2021 · Young Catholics