1 Samuel 12:1-25

After a great victory over the Ammorites in chapter eleven, Saul is made king over Israel by the prophet Samuel. Chapter twelve was Samuel’s swan song, his final speech to the nation. He will continue his priestly duties.

A Christian woman teaching in Africa wanted to help her students to remember to pray. She came up with a brilliant method to help them. Holding up her arm she said, “When I am ready to pray, I look at my left hand.” She then used her hand and fingers to teach them how to pray.

• My thumb is closest to me which reminds me to pray for those near me… my family, friends, and neighbors.
• My index finger is my pointing finger, and it reminds me to pray for my teachers and preacher who point out things to me and instruct me.
• My middle finger is my largest one and stands over the others. It reminds me to pray for the rulers of our nation and those in authority.
• My fourth finger is my weakest finger. It makes me think of those who are helpless, sick, poor, and need my help.
• My pinky finger is the smallest and last one. It stands for me. I pray for myself and the things that I need from the Lord.

The children understood and never forgot the lesson. I think it’s simple enough for us to use too!