As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Sam. 12:23-24
Lord Jesus, there’s a lot more to friendship than praying for our friends, but we haven’t really been a good friend unless we’ve prayed and continue to pray for them. Knowing you call us friend is astonishing, and knowing you’re are always praying for us is all the motivation we need. Indeed, how can we enjoy such a rich standing in grace and not “stand in the gap” for our friends?
For our friends with broken hearts, Jesus, we pray for the reach and touch of your tear-wiping hand. Loss, betrayal and personal failure can be devastating. Bring the gospel to bear with tenderness and power. Help us take our friend’s pain seriously, yet keep us from trying to heal their wounds quickly or lightly. Give us grace to stay present in their hurt. Please heal them in ways that will leave them merciful toward others, not merely pain free.
For our friends with angry hearts, Jesus, please dialogue with them the same way you entered Jonah’s rage. “Do you have a right to be angry?” you asked the conflicted prophet. Help them see the sad behind their mad, the pettiness in their petulance, and the real hurt being mishandled in even more hurtful ways.
For our friends with fearful hearts, Jesus, we ask you to bring your centering, calming presence to bear. To be fearful is one thing, but to be fearful and alone is almost unbearable. Place your gentle hand upon them in the gospel—the way you touched the apostle John. Let them hear you say the same words you spoke to the trembling apostle, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One” (Rev. 1:17-18).
Jesus we pray for our friends with divided and deluded hearts. We’re all prone to wander but, thankfully, you’re even more prone to come after us. Rescue those with hearts en route to being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. May the pleasures of sin come to a screeching halt. Run after those under Satanic spells, who are ready to trade relationship with you in for a relationship with another lover. Humble those who are simply selfish and stubborn—humble them before they bring any more harm to themselves and others.
Jesus, help all of us heed Samuel’s advice—to 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. Remind us that, apart from the gospel, we are as guilty as anyone and capable of doing anything we see in our friends. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
