I love roller coasters. Millennium Force at Cedar Point is one of my favorites. It is so tall and fast that it had to be named a “giga-coaster.” There are times you don’t know if you are up or down, forward or backward, and even a time or two you just want to pass out! The thrill and fear of the ride is enough to make even the strongest stomach sick. It is not a ride for the weak or faint of heart. I love that ride!

Praying for your family is much the same. There are times you want to celebrate, and there are times you want to mourn. There are ups and there are downs. Sometimes it seems as if God is answering every prayer and sometimes it seems He doesn’t hear your prayers at all. It is not something for the weak or faint of heart. Yet, praying for family is one of the most important and intimate ministries each one of us have. Intercessory prayers for families are the building blocks for a legacy of righteousness.

Here is a simple plan for praying for family members. You can hold up your hand and pray for your family members by using each finger to represent something.

1. Thumb-The thumb is closest to your body, so it represents the personal salvation of that member of your family. You can pray for them to know God in a personal way and that His will be done in their lives. If they know the Lord, pray that God will be close to them in their thoughts and actions.
2. Forefinger-The forefinger is often used to point and teach. It reminds us of the authorities that we have in our lives. Pray that your family member will know how to live under the authorities that God has placed in their life. Pray also that they will be good examples of authority when they are leaders. Finally, pray that they will recognize God as the final authority and will live in obedience to Him.
3. Middle finger-The middle finger is often known as the “naughty finger.” It can remind us that we all have a sin nature and will live in rebellion if we are not surrendered to Jesus. Pray that family members will be surrendered and live in obedience to Christ and His word.
4. Ring finger-The ring finger is where we wear wedding rings. This can remind us of the relationships that we have. Pray that the relationships in family members will be filled with love and care. Pray that they will be healthy and filled with God’s grace and mercy. Also pray that family members will be salt and light to their sphere of influence.
5. Little finger-The little finger can remind us to pray for the little things that come into our lives. Pray that family members will remember to recognize God in the little things that make up so much of our day.

“ Every time I pray, I ask God to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what he is calling you to do. I pray that you will grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers.” Ephesians 1:17-18 Message