When Mary told her son at the wedding that "they have no more wine." It more likely was a mom’s way of saying to her son: "they have no spirit." Her comment often understood as her way of nudging her son to do something "the first miracle" might also be interpreted as a profound observation that many folks including my Sonshine Friends are feeling "washed-out" after another hectic holiday feeling. You might refer to this feeling as burn-out, fatigue or worse a chronic medical condition like fibromylgia.My next door neighbor Tony raised grapes in his backyard. In the fall, the smell of the grapes riping on the vine made me think I was living in Napa Valley not Irondequoit. I came upon a photo of my dear friend holding his precious fruit and offer this five-finger prayer for you this morning to relive your spirit with the hand of God.
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
The next finger is the pointing 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.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for our spiritual and government leaders, corporate leaders and administrators. These people shape our communities and guide our schools. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher like Penny 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.
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 pinkie 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.
I believe we have great power in our fingertips. The strength of the Lord is ours for the asking. Pray and reflect: "I can do all things as Jesus gives me power to so do." (Phil. 4:13)
Lord, I pray for my Sonshine Friends that you give them the power to turn to you when they can no longer shoulder their problems alone. When our "spirits run dry" may we surrender to God’s hand and allow his strength to bring peace and calm.
