Short prayer for a friend in need

Praying for our friends is one of the most important things we can do. It’s easy to get caught up in our own needs, but it is just as important to pray and intercede for others. It doesn’t matter if our friends are near or far, in our lives or not, they still need our prayers. Yet, how can we pray for our friends? How do we know what to pray for? In my experience, I ask my friends what they need prayer for and try to glean as many details as possible. This way, I can pray as specifically for them as possible. When it comes to friends who aren’t currently in my life, I pray over what I knew they were struggling with the last time we talked and for the Lord to guide them. In doing this, I feel closer to the Lord and my friends as I pray.

An Encouraging Prayer for a Friend

Dear Lord,
I pray for my friend right now. I pray that you will help them with the struggles they are going through in this season. For you know exactly what they need in this moment. Draw near to them and let them feel your presence. Open their eyes, ears, and hearts to you. Help them have the discernment to hear your voice as you lead them in their next steps. Speak to them as they read your word and bring verses of encouragement and comfort to their attention. I pray that you will calm any fear or anxiety they may be feeling. Replace it with the confidence to obey your word and to trust you. I pray that your guidance will be clear to them from this day forward. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Near

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will lead and guide her on her search for a new job. You know what she needs in hours, salary and benefits. I pray for your provision in the perfect position for her in your perfect timing. Help her to be patient and not let the enemy discourage her. Also help me to be as encouraging and supportive as I can possibly be as her friend, in both the ups and downs. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Far

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will help him as he gets settled in his new city. Help him settle into his new job and his new home. Help him learn where things are located. I pray for your provision in a church family for him and new friends. Ease any nervousness or anxiety and replace these feelings with your peace and comfort. Guide him in his journey from this day forward. In your name, I pray. Amen.

What the Bible Says about Friendship

Many verses in the Bible talk about friendship including God’s friendship with us, how to choose our friends, and how we should interact with each other.

1. “When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.” Job 29:4 (NLT)

2. “I love them, but they try to bring accusations against me, even as I am praying for them!” Psalm 109:4 (NLT)

3. But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. Luke 11:8 (NLT)

4. “When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as before!” Job 42:10 (NLT)

5. “The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray.” Proverbs 12:26 (NLT)

6. “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

7. “Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9 (NLT)

8. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)

9. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

10. “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:11 (NLT)

With each new season, we should ask our friends what they need prayer for. Although we are always praying and petitioning the Lord on behalf of our friends, needs change all the time. I personally update my prayers for my friends at the beginning of each season, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. During the in-between times, I just add needs and requests to my prayer board.

I often pray for my friends throughout the day. Sometimes this can be easier than all at once when I have lots of prayer requests. I pray while getting ready, while working at my desk, and while making dinner. This helps me feel connected to the Lord and my friends all throughout the day. I usually end my day by once again praying for all my friends at the same time.

Praying and interceding for our friends is one of the most loving things we can do. We are called to love and support each other. Friends in the Lord are friends forever.

Carrie Lowrance is an author and writer. Her work has been published on Huffington Post, Bon Bon Break, The Penny Hoarder, etc. She is also the author of two children’s books, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine). She writes her own childcare and author blog at www.carrielowrance.com.

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

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There are many points in life when you need to lend a helping hand. These powerful prayers for a friend in need of strength will aid you in finding the inspiration and words to bring comfort.

Prayer #1

Renew my strength, Lord. Fill me with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in my path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside me, working through me, I can make it. Thank you, Lord!

In Jesus’s name, Amen

Prayer #2

Lord, I come before you today knowing that all power is in Your hand. I know that you are the Lord and that you care for your people. Right now, my friend is struggling with a difficult trial. I can see her strength is faltering, Lord, and know that you have all of the strength that she needs.

I pray that you will reach down and touch her right now wherever she is at this moment. Let your presence fill the room where she is and let her feel an extra portion of your strength that can help her to get through this day.

She needs you now, Lord, and I thank you in advance for meeting her where she is and shoring up her strength during this difficult time.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer #3

Lord, like David, I need your encouragement in a time of trial and anguish. Thank you that you are always on the throne, always my God, ready to save. Thank you for being the same God to me that you were to David. Thank you for always being near and always rescuing me from my fears and hurts. Lord, help me remember that daybreak might be just ahead, that this trial will not last forever. Fill me with hope that daybreak is coming and that your love will always prevail! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Prayer #4

Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom!

Prayer #5

Lord, I come before you today knowing that all power is in Your hand. I know that you are the Lord and that you care for your people. Right now, my friend is struggling with a difficult trial. I can see her strength is faltering, Lord, and know that you have all of the strength that she needs.

I pray that you will reach down and touch her right now wherever she is at this moment. Let your presence fill the room where she is and let her feel an extra portion of your strength that can help her to get through this day. She needs you now, Lord, and I thank you in advance for meeting her where she is and shoring up her strength during this difficult time.
In Jesus name. Amen.

Prayer #6

Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul.

I need your strength to say no when I’m tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won’t let go. I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart. I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me. When don’t I need your strength, God?

You are my rock, and I run to you today, believing that you will lift up my heavy arms, that you will fuel me for the tasks you’ve given me, and that your joy will completely consume the weakness of my life and make me strong again.

Prayer #7

To be Grateful Lord God, may we be grateful for our lot, and compassionate toward all those who are suffering every kind of distress at this difficult time. May we hold back nothing, and hasten to be the ministers of prayer and mercy, like the disciples of Him who went about doing good in times of need. Amen

Prayer #8

Lord, I reach out to you for your guidance. Please show me which way to turn. Calm my anxious thoughts, come speak into my mind. Strengthen me as I falter and feel weary. May I feel strength rising up within my heart.

Bring clarity into my visions and dreams. I trust that you are with me, no matter where I go, Or what I decide to do. You journey with me always. Amen.

Prayer #9

God, so often in different situations I stand and can’t make first steps and decisions I should make. I stuck in such circumstances for a long time, so I ask your encouragement and help. Lord, please encourage me through all my life journey. Please make that I never felt fear or uncertainty. Let all my decisions will be according to your will. Don’t let me give up in any situation I face, but teach me to find the right way and right decision. Let I always feel your love and grace, your caring hand and encouraging support. Lord, encourage and guide me in all actions I take in my life. I pray you in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Check out this great video on learning to use the strength of gentleness to bring comfort and aid to friends in need.

About the Author of this Blog Post Crystal Ayres has served as our editor-in-chief for the last five years. She is a proud veteran, wife and mother. The goal of ConnectUs is to publish compelling content that addresses some of the biggest issues the world faces. If you would like to reach out to contact Crystal, then go here to

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One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship
is to understand and be understood.
~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Do you have that one special person in your life? Someone that you can confide in and tell them anything and you know your secret is safe with them? Most of us rely greatly on the company of true friends.

Friends help you through both the good and tough times on life’s journey. Try not to take them for granted and pray for them often.

Some people appear in your life
when you need them the most.
They love you and lift you up,
reminding you of the best, even when
you’re going through the worst.
These people are not just friends,
they are Earth Angels.

Anna Grace Taylor

Friendship is one of the best gifts in life and should not be taken for granted. Friendship can be tested at times, but with God’s help, friends can celebrate with you in good times, listen to you when you have a problem, and can support you through difficult times.

Locate specific friendship prayers or friendship quotes on this page by following these links.

Friendship QuoteA Friend’s PrayerPrayer for a FriendMessage for a Friend

Follow these links for more prayers, poems and quotes about friendship

The Gift of Friendship

Friendship is a priceless gift
That can’t be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain made of gold

For gold is cold and lifeless,

It cannot see or hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen

No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift,

Be thankful that he sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend.

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Friendship Prayer

I got down on my knees today,
And said a prayer for you,
For you are always in my heart,
And I often think of you,

I asked the Lord to send his Angels,

To protect my dearest friend,
I prayed that all the joy and happiness,
You have will never end,

I asked the Lord to comfort you,

When you are feeling blue,
And when you have a tear,
He’ll wipe away that too,

I asked the Lord to bless our friendship,

So our ways will never part,
For true friends always stick together,
For we’re in each others hearts.

~ Melinda Tanner

Friendship Prayer

Here is my favourite prayer for a friend, I think it speaks volumes, and those of my closest friends that I have chosen to send it to, have all been deeply touched by the words:

Prayer for a Friend

I will pray for you, my friend.
I will name you in my heart before God and ask all His blessing be upon you.
I will be concerned for your rising and your daily mood.
I will be sympathetic to your personal needs and desires in each day of your life.
I will wish you well in your learning, or your work, in your domestic round and your leisure.
I will think of you at the close of each day and pray that God’s peace be with you.
If you have been especially kind or helpful to me then I will make my gratitude known to you.
If you are in trouble or difficulty of any kind, or simply tired and worn down,
I will do all and anything I can to lift your spirits.
I will ache for you in your sorrows and disasters and rejoice with you in your joys and triumphs.
I will love and care for you as I love and care for myself.

~ Author unknown

A Prayer Among Friends

Help me, O God, to be
A good and true friend.

To be always loyal, and

Never to let my friends down;

Never to talk about them behind

Their backs in a way in which I
Would not do before their faces;
Never to betray a confidence or
Talk about the things about which
I ought to be silent;

Always to be ready to share

Everything I have;

To be as true to my friends

As I would wish them to be to me.

This I ask for the sake of You who are

the greatest and the truest of all friends,
For your love’s sake, Amen.

Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive
with one another, we walk here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn’t ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.

~ John Daniel

The Miracle of Friendship

There’s a miracle called friendship
that dwells within the heart
And you don’t know when it happens
or when it gets a start…
But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift,
And you realize that friendship is
God’s most precious gift!

Christ in Friendship

This is my commandment,
that you love one another, even as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this,
that someone lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
No longer do I call you servants,
for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does.
But I have called you friends,
for everything that I heard from my Father,
I have made known to you”.

John 15:12-15

Loving God, I pray for the grace to be a good friend.
May I be a gentle presence in the life of my friends,
ever willing to listen, to forgive, and to extend hospitality.
Remind me of the importance of friendship
so that I take the time to nourish these precious relationships.
I pray this in the name of Jesus,
who knew what it meant to be a good friend.
Amen

~ Proverbs 17:17

A Prayer for a Friend

Lord please give my treasured friend
Love and blessings without end.
Bring contentment in her life;
Comfort her in times of strife.
Always keep her safe, secure;
Let her path to You be sure.
Lord, I pray my friend will be
Close to You, eternally.

~ Joanna Fuchs

Religious Prayer

Dear God,
Please keep my family, friends
and loved ones safe.
Please watch over them always,
and let good health, happiness,
and good fortune befall them.
Amen!

I Said A Prayer For You Today

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word.
I didn’t ask for wealth or fame,
I knew you wouldn’t mind.
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He’d be near you
At the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small,
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all.

A Prayer Among Friends

Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive
with one another, we walk here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn’t ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.

~ John Daniel

You’ve Got A Friend

When you’re feeling stuck,
And don’t know what to do,
Remember you’ve got a friend right here,
That’s always there for you.

Whether you need a hand to hold,

Or someone to lead the way,
Don’t think for a second that you’ll impose
Because “Real Friends” are always there
To help you through the day.

Friends are the flowers in the garden of life.
They help you through times of trouble and strife.

There’s nothing like friends to make a heart sing.

True friends will share with you most everything.

They will not abandon you in times of need.

They aren’t overcome by envy or greed.

Friends are icing on life’s great big cake.

Real friends will give and allow you to take.

I don’t know how I would survive without friends.

The applaud my beginnings and mourn my sad ends.

Tell me, please tell me, what would I do.

If I didn’t have a garden full of friends just like YOU!

Thanks

Thanks to those who hurt me,
you made me a stronger person.
Thanks to those who love me,
you made my heart bigger.
Thanks to those who cared,
you made me feel important.
Thanks to those who showed concern,
you let me know that you care.
Thanks to those who left,
you showed me that not everything is forever.
Thanks to those who stayed,
you showed me the true meaning of friendship.
Thanks to those who entered my life,
you helped me become the person I am today.

Friendship Cross

May this cross be a reminder
of the beautiful friendship that I have been blessed with.
Remind us to carry one another when the load is too heavy.
Keep me ever mindful of the meaning of true friendship
and of Your presence in my life.

Friendship

A friend is like a tower strong,
A friend is like a joyous song
That helps us on our way.

When golden ties of friendship bind

The heart to heart, the mind to mind,
How fortunate we are!

For friendship is a noble thing;

It soars past death on angel’s wing
Into eternity.

God blesses friendship’s holy bond

Both here and in the great beyond;
A benefit unpriced.

Then may we know that wondrous joy,

That precious ore without alloy;
A friendship based on Christ.

A Friend’s Prayer

I don’t need your wealth; I need your warmth.
I don’t need your judgement; I need your forgiveness.
I don’t need your opinions; I need the truth.
I don’t need your lessons; I need your laughter.
I don’t need your personality; I need your purity.
I don’t need your entertainment; I need your presence.
I don’t need your knowledge; I need your wisdom.
I don’t need your recognition; I need your compassion.
I don’t need your acquaintance; I need your friendship.

~ Byrd Braggett

A Message for a Friend

My Wish for You

When you are lonely

I wish you love.
When you are down
I wish you joy.
When you are troubled
I wish you peace.
When things are complicated
I wish you simple beauty.
When things are chaotic
I wish you inner silence.
When things look empty
I wish you hope.

Prayer for a Friend

O Lord, Please bless our friendship
Our friendship is like a long steady soft rain.
It’s not so harsh that it will destroy.
Yet it is not so soft that it goes unnoticed.
Our friendship is growing in your grace.
Please bless our friendship, and keep it holy at all times.
Friendship is a gift from you, O Lord, and we thank you.
May our friendship always produce the fruits of the spirit.
And may the soft rain of our friendship nourish the heart forever.
I wish you inner silence.
When things look empty
Amen!

A Prayer for A Friend

This I pray for you, my friend – that you strive to be all that you can be, yet never become a copy of another.
That you realize your own unique qualities and all that makes you special.
That you open up your eyes to the beauty in each day.
That you reach out to others less fortunate than you.
That by giving you learn the joy of receiving.
That you let go of the sadness of the past, yet always remember the good moments.
That you learn to accept life as it is, even with its disappointments.
For life is meant to be enjoyed and at all times endured, but never taken for granted.
And I pray that you will be aware at all times that you are one special person, among all special persons.
And do the best you can.

~ Robin Morgan

A Prayer for My Friend

O God, source of all love and goodness,
as you have blessed my life
with the gift of a faithful friend,
so now, surround my friend with your grace,
your loving care and your protection.
May our friendship be a bond
which brings others closer to you
and gives glory to your holy name
Amen

Friendship Prayer

Dear God,
Please keep my family, friends
and love ones safe.
Please watch over them always,
and let good health, happiness,
and good fortune befall them.
Amen!

The Joy of Your Friendship

There are moments when all of us
can feel a certain emptiness,
can glimpse despair
and sense how dreadful life would be
devoid of meaning and purpose.

Perhaps that is what the disciples

experienced at your death.
And then, Lord the experienced anew
the delight of sharing with you,
and you calling them friends.

Yes, Lord, without you

life loses its meaning and purpose.
Without you our joys are short-lived.
For you are life itself,
and the meaning and purpose of life,
and your friendship is a treasure
like nothing else on earth.
Lord may I always know
the joy of your friendship.

Amen

Another Friendship Prayer

Dear Lord, With my whole heart I ask
That you look after my friends
Guide them in troubles
Lead them when lost
Give them your ear
When they just need to talk

Lend them a hand

When they’ve nowhere to turn
Show them a new road
When a bridge has been burned

Teach them to smile

When everything seems bad
And show them there is happiness
After all that seems sad

Dear Lord,

This is my prayer
I hope that every word you can hear
This message is from my heart
For my friends are so dear

Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend

Dear Lord,
If I could only be,
Worthy of one wish from Thee.
I would not ask for wealth or fame–
For I have more in Jesus’ name;
I would not ask for homes or lands–
My treasures lie in Jesus’ hands;
I would not ask for health or food–
For thou dost give me all that’s good;
But I would that I could see,
Just how the greatest friend to be
To one Thou’st given me to love,
Both here and in our Home above–
That, Lord, the love Thou hast given me
Might fill his life and soul, that he
Will never question, never fear,
My love for him is just veneer–
But man each time I clasp his hand,
Feel friendship true, and understand
That of Thy many gifts I see,
He is a precious one to me.

Amen.

Everyone Needs Someone

People need people and friends need friends
And we all need love for a full life depends
Not on vast riches or great acclaim,
Not on success or on worldly fame,
But just in knowing that someone cares
And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers-
For only the knowledge that we’re understood
Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good,
And we rob ourselves of life’s greatest need
When we “lock up our hearts” and fail to heed
The outstretched hand reaching to find
A kindred spirit whose heart and mind
Are lonely and longing to somehow share
Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware
That life’s completeness and richness depends
On the things we share with out loved ones and friends.

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Prayer of Thanks for Friends

I want to thank you, Gracious Lord,
for the good friends you give me;
they are for me a priceless bounty.
Thanks to them, friendship is neither an abstraction,
nor a distant, almost impossible, dream.
I owe to your providence, Lord,
the possibiltiy of counting on
the constant help of friends.
Between me and them you have formed a solid bridge,
which can withstand all threats of destruction.
The happiness with which you have blessed us
enables us to enrich one another.
Lord, tehre was something astonishing,
almost mysterious,
in the way I met my friends;
it was always outside the expected pattern.
But you alone know the reasons
that drew us closer together.
This surprise and joy are refreshing,
and I experience them anew
at every step of my life.
Not all proved to be steadfast friends,
but I have to thank you
for the faithful ones.
I promise to do everything in my power
to deserve this precious gift
that you have reserved for me.
I ask you, Gracious Lord, to keep them safe in your hands,
for they are yours above all.
Amen.

Prayer of Friendship

You have blessed us, O God,
with the gift of friendship,
the bonding of persons
in a circle of love.
We thank you for such a blessing:
for friends who love us,
who share our sorrows,
who laugh with us in celebration,
who bear our pain,
who need us as we need them,
who weep as we weep,
who hold us when words fail,
and who give us the freedom
to be ourselves.
Bless our friends with health,
wholeness, life, and love.
Amen.

Irish Toast To Friendship

There are good ships,
and their are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be.

May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty

An Irish Prayer for You

May the Good Lord smile upon you
and bless you every day;
May His love and grace surround you
and shelter you, I pray;
May your days be filled with laughter
and the joy of many friends;
May God bless you with His mercy
and peace that never ends.

An Irish Prayer

May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow.
For every tear, a smile.
For every care, a promise.
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
a faithful friend to share.
For every sigh, a sweet song,
and an answer to each prayer.

My Friend

“Don’t walk behind me;
I may not lead.
Don’t walk in front of me;
I may not follow.
Just walk beside me
and be my friend.”

Do you have any suggestions or additions to this page of Friendship Prayers?
please submit your favourite poem about friendship.

Why not also visit friendship poems?

Friendship Quote

The true friend is the one who’s coming in the door while everyone else is going out. Friends are the ones who love you when you’re hard to love, stand by you when it’s not the popular thing to do and are there for you when you need it, even if it means they don’t get anything back.

A friend will strengthen you with his prayers, bless you with his love, and encourage you with his hope.

There is nothing on this earth to be prized more than true friendship. ~ St Thomas Aquinas

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