“I was in my prime when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house.” (Job 29:4) “A friend loves at all times.” (Prov. 17:17); “Encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:25)
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of friendship—for the joy, encouragement, and refreshment you give us, first of all, in intimate fellowship with yourself. Secondly, through friends you’ve woven into our lives, stories, and hearts. Being “in our prime” has more to do with vital relationships than “a clean bill of health.”
This isn’t a Bible verse, but it’s certainly in line with the truth of the Gospel: “Blessed is she/he who is walking with a group of friends who are growing in grace, marinating in the Scriptures, loving Jesus more, posing less, repenting quicker—friends who are ‘groaning inwardly and waiting eagerly’ for life in the new heaven and new earth.”
Thank you for friends who offer listening faster than words—who give suffering-generated wisdom, not merely mess-fixing formulas. Thank you for friends with whom we can pray, play, ponder mysteries, play some more, and pant after you. Being less childish and more childlike is awesome.
Jesus, these kinds of cherish-worthy friendships turn our hearts heavenward, for you are the foundation and fountain of all good friendship. Thank you for befriending us in the Gospel. It’s overwhelming, settling, and centering to hear you say to us, “I no longer call you servants; I call you friends” (John 15:15). Hallelujah, and so very Amen.