Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble (Prov. 13:20). A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity (Prov. 17:17). As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Prov. 27:17)
(As you pray this prayer, thank God for your grace-friends.)
Heavenly Father, I’ve never treasured the gift of friendship more. I refuse to grow old and alone—older and more selfish, bored, and boring.
Thank you for friends (brothers and sisters) who can laugh loud and repent quick; share from the heart, and listen without hurry; pursue each other, and welcome each other; be playful and stay prayerful.
Thank you for friends-in-weakness, who know how to lash one another to the mast of the Gospel, when the siren of temptation grows loud.
Thank you for friends who care more about your coming Kingdom, than retirement planning—friends who work more at being present than impressive; friends who love hearing Jesus’ name more than their own.
Father, by the riches of the Gospel, make me a better friend. Help me be a means of your grace in the lives of my friends—encouraging, and encouraging some more—as we see the great Day of Jesus’ return approaching.
Thank you that Jesus is a friend of sinners—for we remain in constant need of his friendship, love, and presence. May his grace and glory shape all our “friend-ing.” So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.