How to Pray Pope Francis' "5 Finger Prayer"

What a special gift for our prayer lives!

The “5 Finger Prayer” is attributed to Pope Francis. He is said to have written this 5-step prayer while serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

This method assigns a special intention to each finger, making it an easy way to pray for others — and yourself.

While it is easy enough to introduce to a young child, the “5 Finger Prayer” is a great addition to your prayer routine at any age!

Here’s how to pray it:

Here is an elaboration of the prayer above:

Thumb

Since the thumb is the closest finger to you, start by praying for the people closest to you—like friends and family.

Index Finger

Next, pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. This includes your teachers, doctors and priests. They need the support and wisdom!

Middle Finger

For the tallest finger, pray for authority figures–leaders and those in the government. They need God’s guidance!

Ring Finger

The ring finger is the weakest finger, so pray for the weakest and most vulnerable in your community. This includes the sick, impoverished and distraught.

Pinkie Finger

For the smallest finger, pray for yourself! When you are finished praying for others, you will be able to see your own needs in the best way.

Feel free to add an “Our Father”, “Hail Mary” and/or “Glory Be” following the “5 Finger Prayer,” and don’t forget to pray for the Holy Father!

A Prayer for Pope Francis

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;

Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

(Prayer courtesy of the USCCB)