One of our amazing leaders, who also serves on staff at a church in a nearby county, shared a beautiful story with me several years ago. Each week, her church gathers for prayer and lifts up their neighborhood—by name, with intention, and with care.

Inspired by their practice, I adapted the idea to fit the church I served a while back and will be incorporating it as part of our Sunday morning prayers beginning in July using the 5-Finger Prayer—a simple, sticky way to help children develop a holy habit of praying for others.

Each finger reminds us to pray for a different part of our local community:

• Thumb – Pray for someone closest to me
  (a local business)
• Pointer – Pray for those who teach me
  (a local school)
• Tall Finger – Pray for government leaders
  (a public official)
• Ring Finger – Pray for those who need help
  (another local church)
• Pinkie – Pray for our own
  (a church family facing extraordinary challenges)

How It Works Each Month

First Sunday of the Month:
We introduce a new prayer prompt card and practice the 5-Finger Prayer together during large group time. Kids take the card home to pray with their families throughout the month.
Prayer Time:
Each Sunday, we pause to pray silently and aloud. Students hold up each finger (or their full hand for the tall finger) as we name each person, group, or organization.
Letter Writing:
At the start of each month, we write a letter to each prayer partner—whether it’s a local school, fire station, business, or family. Kids and leaders sign their first names in bright, fun colors when they arrive on Sunday morning. We mail the letters the following week.

Sample Prayer Letter
Dear [Name],

We consider it a privilege at Macland Community Church to partner with and pray for our neighbors. We believe it’s a joy to lift up our local businesses, leaders, and families in prayer—because we’re all serving one another, and we serve better together.

This month, you were chosen as our Neighborhood Prayer Partner. During our Macland Community Kids Sunday school hour, we will mention you by name and pray for your safety, success, and encouragement.

May God’s greatest blessings rest on you as you faithfully serve our community.

To God be the glory, GREAT things He is doing in our community,
Macland Community Church Children’s Ministry
Littles (Nursery–5th Grade) & Their Leaders

Most children don’t know who to pray for beyond themselves. This simple rhythm helps them:

• Practice prayer, a holy habit , with purpose
• See themselves as part of a larger community
• Grow a habit of loving their neighbors through prayer
• Bless others in real and meaningful ways

This practice connects our kids to the wider world, teaches them to care like Jesus, and reminds our neighbors that we want to be good neighbors, too.

Who can you pray for today?

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 1:4