By handfuls


Prayer is the key of the morning
and the bolt of the evening.
--Mahatma Gandhi


Prayer is vital to a believer’s spiritual health; I think at one point or another, we have all discovered that. Prayer is spiritual oxygen: breathing in the Presence of God, we are filled and able to exhale the Love of the Creator, breathing God’s Presence into the world.

But sometimes, we have so many things in our hearts, it’s hard to focus. Or sometimes we have trouble coming up with anything we think is worth offering to God. What to do, what to do. There must be some way to help us organize our minds as we come to prayer time. . . .

Years ago, someone suggested to me using the fingers of one hand when praying, as a mnemonic device of sorts. This is helpful in a number of ways.

On the days we come before God with a basketful of requests and needs, limiting ourselves to a handful of thoughts reminds us: we cannot change the whole world. We can, however, focus on our corner of it.

And on days when our world is feeling pretty settled and good, stretching to offer five prayers reminds us that God is listening and hearing, and wants us to stretch our horizons a bit.

This week, Holy Week, practice praying by the handful. Focus your mind, your heart—and your words. Remember that every prayer you offer sits in the palm of God’s hand. Amen.


Monday Begin the week by praying for five close friends or family members during your prayer time. Give thanks for their presence in your life. Ephesians 5:31-32

Tuesday Today, offer prayers for five people whom you know, but you would not consider them “friends.” Maybe they are coworkers or folks you see regularly. Ask God to guide you. Ruth 2:11-12

Wednesday On this Hump Day, take up this challenge: pray by name for five people in your life who get on your last nerve. Remind yourself that they, too, are children of the Most High. . . . Psalm 23:4-5

Thursday Maundy Thursday Pray today for five church leaders in your community. This has been a long Lenten season for all. Ask God’s strength for the remainder of the journey. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Friday Good Friday Lift in prayer five local community leaders. Change begins with small steps; listen for God’s guidance as to where you might serve. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Saturday As you pray today for yourself, focus on five deep needs you may feel uncomfortable speaking aloud to God—and speak them. Allow yourself to rest afterward. Ephesians 2:17-19

Sunday Resurrection Sunday Celebrate! Give thanks for five wonderful ways you have seen God’s hand on your life this week. Peace to your spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Prayer does not change God,
but it changes the one who prays.
--Soren Kierkegaard 

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