As Christians, we are blessed with the opportunity to pray. When we pray we are acknowledging our need for God and His unlimited power and grace in our situation. Prayer is a powerful tool that can be used to support and uplift our friends. Friends are there to encourage and bring out the best in us. One beautiful thing we can do for our friends is to pray for them. This only cost us time which everyone has equal access to. We all have 24 hours a day and we can be intentional to take a few minutes to say a prayer for a friend. It may seem trivia but prayer goes a long way in shaping our world.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
There are many different types of prayers, each with their own unique benefits and purposes.
Here are a few examples of prayers you can offer for your friends:
Intercessory prayer: This type of prayer involves asking God to intercede on behalf of your friend. You might pray for their health, safety, or success, and ask God to guide them and protect them.
Gratitude prayer: A gratitude prayer is a way of thanking God for the blessings in your friend’s life. You might give thanks for their friendship, their talents, or their accomplishments.
Prayer of petition: This type of prayer is a request for a specific outcome. You might pray for your friend to find a job, to heal from an illness, or to find love.
Prayer of Adoration: Adoration prayer is a way of expressing your love and devotion to God. You might offer a prayer of adoration for your friend, thanking God for their presence in your life.
Prayer of Confession: This involves confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness. You might pray for your friend’s forgiveness, or ask them to pray for yours.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Prayer of Lamentation: A lament prayer is a way of expressing grief or sadness. You might pray for your friend if they are going through a difficult time, expressing your empathy and asking God to comfort them.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
You can choose the type of prayer that resonates most with you and your friend, and offer it with sincerity and love. What is important really is to pray. Prayer is one thing we don’t have excuse of not having the ability to do. Remember, prayer is a personal and intimate practice, and there is no one right way to do it.
Pray this prayer for your friend.
“Dear God, I come to you in prayer for my dear friend (name). I ask that you watch over them and protect them as they go through their daily life. Please guide them in all their decisions, and help them to stay on the path of righteousness. Lord, I pray that you bless them with good health, and provide them with the strength and energy they need to fulfill your purpose in their life. May your Holy Spirit surround them, and may they be filled with your love, joy, and peace. I lift up this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
