“A friend loves at all times” (Prov.17:17). “God, who comforts the downcast, did so by Titus’ arrival” (2 Cor.7:5-6 “There’s a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl.3:4) “Encourage each other daily, as long as it’s called ‘Today’” (Heb.3:13)—“build each other up” (1Thess.5:11).
Heavenly Father, after a special weekend in Rising Fawn, Georgia, I’m once again grateful for the tapestry of friends you’ve woven into heart and story. Though I’m more loner than life-of-the-party—an introvert with extroverted gifts, thank you for friends who look beyond my comfort zone, insecurities, and poor intermittent contact.
What a gift—to be encouraged by friends’ interest, eyes, and curiosity—inviting me to play, not just pray over meals, or in large gatherings. It’s great to have sisters and brothers who show me the Gospel I preach, and call me out from thinking all I have to offer others is words, theology, and what I know.
Make me that kind of friend, Father, all the way Home. I want to finish this part of my life as an encourager and comforter—seeing people for who they are, not in terms what they do or know. As I preach it, so may I live it: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”
Help me to be quicker and better at offering engaged presence and unrushed listening. I don’t need to accumulate more stuff, and I certainly don’t need to get busier. Free me to give more of my heart, not just helping hands. Father, I’m a fabulously wealthy man because of my “in-Christ-ness,” but you’ve also enriched my life with precious friends. Thank you, and So Very Amen.