Lord, thank You for the priceless gift of godly friendships! What a life-giving blessing it is to have fellowship with others with whom I can share the joys and sorrows of life, and who love You and encourage me to grow in my relationship with You. I pray that You will use me to be ‘iron sharpening iron’ for the friends You have given to me, and for the ones I will have in the future: may we spur one another on to do the good works You have created for us to do. (Prov. 27:17; Hebrews 10:24) May we teach, rebuke and admonish one another with all wisdom, always speaking the truth to one another in love. (Colossians 3:16) May we never engage in gossip which is an affront to You, separates friends, and is rooted in pride; rather, may all that we say and do be edifying to one another and glorifying to You. (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9; 18:8; 1 Thess. 5:11) Give me a heart that is willing to receive constructive criticism from my friends and the desire to heed their heartfelt, godly counsel. Give me such love for my friends that I will be willing to give them constructive criticism when it is needed, give me Your wisdom so that all of my counsel will be wise and life-giving, and most of all give me Your heart of love for them so that they know that whatever I say or do is due to love. (Proverbs 19:20; 27:5-6) Give me wisdom and discernment in selecting friends, recognizing the importance of their influence in my life and mine in theirs. (Proverbs 12:26; 22:23-24)) May I avoid ungodly companions who would negatively impact my relationship with You as well as with others, recognizing that ‘bad company corrupts good character’. (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20)) May I be the kind of friend to others that You are to me: one who loves at all times, who will help carry their burdens, who will respect and honor them, prefer them over myself, and be willing to lay down my life for them. (prov. 17:17; Eccles. 4:9-10; Romans 12:10; John 15:12-13) I pray this in the Name of Jesus, the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. Amen (Proverbs 18:24)