Thank you for friendships

Dear Lord,

for designing us to respond to one another’s pain and joy.
I’m so grateful.
I don’t know how I would be able to survive 
if I couldn’t process, vent, and pray with friends.

Mold me into a loving and patient friend.
Help me to see what you see in everyone,
but particularly in those close to me.
Particularly when they hurt me
or misunderstand me.
Help me to be a real friend, not a social friend.
I want to be responsible for my friendships.

Bless them and use them.
May they follow you whole-heartedly.
May our friendship accurately represent the kingdom of God.

I want to be sacrificial,
patient,
kind,
resilient,
forgiving,
gracious,
enthusiastic.

I want to carry the Holy Spirit into every encounter.
I love you.
Thank you for befriending me
and for surrounding me with people who love you.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-14)