A Mother's Hand of Prayer -- May 10, 2013

Sunday is Mother's Day in case you haven't heard.  If you are heading out to town to visit your Mom, travel safely.

Who was the first person who taught you how to pray?  It was probably your mom.

It may have been a simple children's bedtime prayer like:

"Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Angels watch us through the night,
And keep us safe 'til morning light.
Amen"

She then stroked your hair with her hand and you drifted off to sleep.

A mother's hands are always moving--tirelessly and selflessly.  But it's a mother's hands in prayer that are powerful.

Last Sunday, Dr. Rick Lance, Executive Director of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, spoke in Big Church.  His sermon was entitled "Pray By The Hand".  I hope he won't mind me relating what he taught us about prayer.

He gave us a model for our prayer time with God by looking at the back of our hand.

It starts with the Thumb.  Our thumb is the closest digit to our body; it represents praying for ourselves.  Not a laundry list of "God do this and that for me".  Praying for ourselves means asking for spiritual cleansing.  We should ask God to forgive us for (1) sins of commission [things we did wrong]; (2) sins of omission [things we should have done but didn't]; and (3) sins of disposition [lousy attitudes].

Next, we have Little Finger.  It represents those who suffer.  This includes both physical and emotional suffering.

Third is the Index Finger.  It means praying for those who are elected.  We should pray for those elected in positions in the church and pray for those elected to positions in local, state, and national government.

The Middle Finger reminds us to pray for souls--those needing Jesus.

Finally, the Ring Finger helps us to pray for service opportunities.

One hand; many prayers.

When we meet this Sunday at 9:50, we'll discuss Session 11 entitled "Following: The King Shepherds His People".

Here's the outline of the Bible passages we'll go through:

1. Shepherds serve God’s people by embodying the truth they proclaim (1 Timothy 4:11-16).

2. Shepherds serve God’s people by preaching truth, even when it is costly (2 Timothy 4:1-8).

3. God’s people follow the shepherd by submitting to God’s Word (Titus 2:11-14).

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

“When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.” -- Erma Bombeck