Prayer for Friends

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer to Offer for Our Various Friends

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. The fact that you call us “friend” is overwhelming. And knowing that you are always praying for us is all the motivation we need to repent of our prayerlessness. Indeed, how can we enjoy such a rich standing in grace and not “stand in the gap” for our friends?

Jesus, for our friends with broken or breaking hearts, we pray for the reach and touch of your tear-wiping hand. May they not suffer from those of us who would try to “heal their wounds lightly”—by not taking their pain seriously, or offering pragmatic answers rather than a living Savior. Don’t just eliminate the pain. Heal them in such a way that their mercy toward others will grow exponentially.

Jesus, for our friends with shamed hearts—feeling condemned, worthless and a growing sense of self-contempt… no one but you, Jesus, can heal our shame. For you have exhausted our guilt and have born our shame that we might share in your glory. Make eye contact through the gospel of your grace with our friends. Let them hear you say, “There is now and forevermore no condemnation for you, for I am your righteousness.”

Jesus, for our friends with angry hearts, we ask you to dialogue with them the way you entered Jonah’s rage. “Do you have a right to be angry?”, you asked the conflicted prophet. We’re not praying for you simply to make our angry friends sweet and easy to be around. Help them see the sadness behind the madness in their hearts—the real hurt being mishandled in more hurtful ways. If they’re just being petty and petulant, may your kindness lead them to repentance.

Jesus, for our friends with fearful hearts, please bring your centering, calming presence to bear. To be fearful is one thing, but to be fearful and alone is almost unbearable. Place your hand upon them in the gospel, the way you touched the apostle John. Speak deep into their hearts, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One” (Rev. 1:17–18).

Jesus, for our friends with deceived hearts, though we’re prone to wander we are so glad you’re prone to come after us. Come quickly. For our friends with hearts en route to being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, for those under Satanic spells, for those who are simply selfish and stubborn—Jesus, rescue them before they bring any more harm to themselves and others, we pray.

Jesus, help all of us—starting with me—constantly remember what great things you have done for us in the gospel, that we might fear you with affectionate reverence and serve you faithfully with all our hearts. So very Amen we pray, in your grace-full name.