We all long for connection. All of us crave a friendship that is a safe place for us to process what we are facing. Life gets hard, and we need each other. So there is a longing for a good friend. Our health depends on it. Yet, we are not wired for isolation because humans flourish in community. Specifically, we need friends that stick close to us through the good times and the hard times. So here are eight prayers to help you focus on being the kind of friend you want.
1. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
Father, I pray that my words will be used to build up my friends, not tear them down. May my words lift and encourage those I surround myself with. Your Word tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Teach me to speak life. I desire to be an encourager, always lifting my friends and naming the strong traits I notice. I ask for help, believing You will lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. – Proverbs 17:17 NLT
Lord, teach me to be loyal to my friends. You are my most excellent example, never leaving and always walking beside me no matter what season I face. In times of need, may I provide a calm presence for my friends. Teach me to listen carefully to their needs. Give me the grace to respond in a Christ-like way. May they see You in me. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
3. Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT
Father, I pray for discernment to choose my friends wisely. Give me eyes to see friends who will walk with me through the good and difficult seasons of life. Surround me with those who will challenge and encourage me to grow into the person You have called me to be. Teach me to be a friend marked by compassion and love. Mold me into the image of Your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
4. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – Colossians 3:13 NLT
Father, I thank You for extending forgiveness in my life. I do not deserve the grace You give me every day. In the same way, teach me to offer the grace and forgiveness I’ve received. In moments where I am offended, may I drop the offense, move forward, and walk in love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
5. Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. – Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT
Father, You have called me to flourish and succeed in community, not isolation. May I see the value of those You’ve placed in my life. Teach me to let others fight with me, not be alone in hard times. I thank You for the gift of friendship. Show me what it means to be a friend who helps others succeed. Father, You sacrificed Your Son to pay the debt for my sins. Teach me to live a life of sacrifice as I build my friendships. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
6. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in big trouble. – Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT
Heavenly Father, teach me to respond when I see a friend in need. You’ve called me to serve those around me. Lord, You’ve been my help, an ever-present help in times of need. May I see the value of reaching out to my hurting friends. Remove any selfishness and greed in my life. I want to be Your hands and feet. I acknowledge I cannot do this on my own. So I am asking for Your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
7. Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Father, I am aware my friends will offend me. Yet, You still call me to walk in love, forgive and move forward. I find this challenging, especially when it’s not my fault. Please help me forgive, Lord. Teach me to let things go. May I guard my heart against any root of bitterness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
8. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. – Romans 12:10 NLT
Father, thank You for the love You continually pour into my life. This is a love I do not deserve. As You fill my life with Your presence, may I share You with my friends. Teach me to love with genuine affection. I pray my testimony will point them to You as they look at my life and how I conduct myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
