As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:23-24
Dear Lord Jesus, there’s a lot more to friendship than praying for my friends, but I haven’t really been a good friend unless I’ve prayed and continue to pray for them… especially in the face of heart-woes and heart-wars.
As I begin this day, bringing specific friends before your throne of grace, I do so resting in the wonder that you call me your friend, and that you are constantly advocating and interceding for me, and all your beloved. There’s nothing I can really add to the perfection of your intercession, but I can surely participate in it. Indeed, how can I enjoy such a rich standing in grace and not “stand in the gap” for my friends? You tell me that I fail you—I sin against you by failing to pray for my friends, so here I come…
For my friends with broken hearts… Jesus, I pray for the reach and touch of your tear-wiping hand. Spare them from those (of us) who would “heal their wounds lightly.” Heal them in such a fashion that will leave them mercy-full, not merely pain-free.
For my friends with angry hearts… Jesus, I pray you will dialogue with them the way you entered Jonah’s rage. “Do you have a right to be angry?”, you asked the conflicted prophet. I’m not praying you will simply make my angry friends sweet. Help them see the sad behind the mad… the pettiness in the petulance… and the real hurt being mishandled in more hurtful ways.
For my friends with fearful hearts… Jesus, I pray you will bring your centering, calming presence to bear. To be fearful is one thing, but to be fearful and alone is almost unbearable. Place your hand upon them in the gospel—the way you touched the Apostle John (Revelation 1:17-18). Speak deep into their hearts, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One.”
For my friends with deceived hearts… Jesus, we’re prone to wonder and you’re prone to come after us. For my friends with hearts en route to being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin… those under Satanic spells… those who are simply selfish, stubborn and stupid… Jesus, rescue them before they bring any more harm to themselves and others, I pray.
Jesus, help all of us… starting with me… help all of us constantly remember what great things you have done for us, so that we might fear you with affectionate reverence and serve you faithfully with all our hearts. So very Amen, I pray, in your grace-full name.