Prayer for the Hurried

Lord, slow me down. Ease the pounding of my heart by quieting my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, in the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break down the tension of my nerves and muscles. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep. Teach me to take minute vacations, by slowing down to look at a flower, a cloud, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines of a good book. Remind me that there is more to life than increasing speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Lord, slow me down. Inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's values that I may grow towards you. Amen. (Author unknown)

The Five Finger Prayer

Hello everyone! Have you heard about The Five Finger Prayer? You can pray by yourself or use it to help kids pray on their own:

1. Your thumb is nearest to 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."
   
2. 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.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for presidents, leaders in business 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.
   
5. Lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. This 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.

Thanks to the folks at Catholic Digest for giving us this prayer!