This document provides guidance on using a "five finger prayer" technique to structure prayers for different groups of people. It recommends praying first for those closest to you using your thumb, then for teachers and healers with your pointing finger, leaders with your middle finger, those who are weak or suffering using your ring finger, and finally for yourself with your pinky finger. Structuring prayers in this way is meant to help put one's own needs in proper perspective by first praying for others.

1. . Relieve Life's Burdens
• Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
and some days you're the statue.
• Always keep your words soft and sweet,
just in case you have to eat them.
• Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.
• Don't cry because it's over.
Smile because it happened.
• A truly happy person
is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
• We could learn a lot from crayons.
Some are sharp,
some are pretty and some are dull.
Some have weird names,
and all are different colors,
but they all have to live in the same box.
• Happiness comes through doors
you didn't even know you left open.
~Author Unknown~

2. Five Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So, begin your prayers by
praying for or sending Metta those closest to you.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who
teach, instruct and heal. 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 the president, leaders in business and
industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation
and guide public opinion.
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. They need your prayers day and
night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all
which is where we should place ourselves in relation to the
Divine and others. 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.
~Author Unknown~