Weekly Update // Pastor Durwood

 Dear Asbury Family and Friends,

 As we continue our Lenten journey this week, I am mindful of a question posed to me often.   “How can I develop a more consistent and meaningful prayer life?”

 Years ago, someone shared the idea of the Five Finger Prayer.  It, I shared, is a great way to start praying with more consistency. I share it with you all this week as a way of deepening our Lenten days.  Perhaps it will stir your desire to connect in prayer with the Creator of the Universe.  After all, God is waiting to hear from you!

 I trust your week is providing opportunities to Help others in need, Share the Love of Jesus, Grow in your faith, and Serve the needs of Christ!  Have a terrific, spirit filled week!

I love serving as one of your pastors,

Durwood

The Five Finger Prayer

1.  Your thumb is nearest to you.  So, begin your prayers by praying for those closet to you.  They are the easiest to remember.  To pray for our loved ones is as C.S. Lewis once said a "sweet duty".

 2.  The next finger is the pointer finger.  Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal.  This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers.  They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.  Keep them in your prayers.

 3.  The next finger is the tallest finger.  It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators.  These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

 4.  The fourth finger is our ring finger.  Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify.  It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.  They need your prayers day and night.  You cannot pray too much for them.

 5.  And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all.  Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others.  As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you".  Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.  By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective, and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.