When your friend is facing any kind of struggle or hardship, it’s important that you support them; however, knowing exactly what they need during these moments of hardship isn’t always easy. When you see anxiety, worry or fear have set in, there are small things you can do that will really help ease the frustration they are feeling. A great way to support them is through prayer, particularly prayers of protection. Praising God and praying His Will for your friend will be one of the most rewarding things you can do in your friendship. By lifting your friend in prayer, you will be arming your friendship with protection. Here are six prayers for the protection of friends.
A Well-Being Prayer
Pray actively for your friend’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. They may share what they’re going through but there are other times when they may be silent on the issue. It’s important that you remember that prayer is the best way to communicate with God not only the desires of your heart but the needs of others. Prayer is the vehicle for daily dialog with God. The importance of active communication through prayer cannot be overestimated. Daily prayer gives us an opportunity to share all aspects of our lives with God. It also gives us the chance to express our gratitude for the things He provides. Daily prayer is a way to acknowledge who is really in control in our lives. Active prayer helps us resist uncertainty and restores faith that God will provide us with everything we need according to His Word: Dear God, I thank You for who You are. I pray that You give strength to the weary and increase the power of my friends who are weak right now, whether they are struggling emotionally, physically or spiritually. I pray that they lean not on their way, but Your way. Amen.
A Prayer For Your Friend to Hear God
Prayer is truly powerful. When you and your friends pray together, the power of prayer increases tremendously and it can benefit your relationship is so many ways. If you’re ready to pray with your friend, talk to God first about it. First John 5:14-15 assures us that whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. If we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked Him for. Ask God for the time in your schedule, for wisdom in how to suggest it to your friend, and that God will prepare the heart of your friend to desire this time with you, as well: Dear Lord, Your Word says that when we draw near to You, You will draw near to us. So I draw near to You today. My friend is in need of Your instruction and Your guidance. I pray that You will protect them and confirm Your voice through Your Word. Amen.
A Distraction-Free Prayer
A great time to pray for your friend is when you’re alone and free from distractions. Praying alone allows you to center and really tune in to what you’re presenting to God. You can pray for God to help your friend at all times – whether you are driving around time, waiting your turn in line at the bank, sitting in a quiet church, stretched out on your bed or even as you’re brushing your teeth before going to sleep. Your prayers don’t have to be long or eloquent either. They can be simple and still faith-filled. During this alone time, you can pray for the needs of their heart. When you’re clear of distractions, you are in a better place to present those needs to God: Dear Father, I pray that my friend will stay focused on the tasks they have before them today. We know that the devil can use people and situations to try and knock them off track. I ask You in prayer right now to equip them spiritually and mentally so that will be able to keep their eye on their goals. Amen.
A Spiritual Breakthrough Prayer
While there is great power in praying to God silently, when we speak the Scriptures aloud, something truly incredible happens. Praying the Bible out loud brings spiritual breakthrough. God’s spoken Word is much more powerful than you realize. God loves to hear your voice praying His Word back to Him. Praying Scriptures out loud in the silence of our homes or while driving in our cars can be done simply and quickly, just by taking claim to everything God promised us in His Word. Pray God’s Word out loud for breakthrough in your friend’s life: Heavenly Father, I pray that Your favor reign in my friend’s life today. I also pray that no matter what situations that may face, that they can overcome them with Your breakthrough power. Amen.
A Prayer to Reveal the Knowledge of God
While our prayers commonly center on our interests, God answers prayers based on His interests and His will for us. As you seek to know and do the Will of God, the Bible is a great place to go to as it gives clear instructions for how to live your daily life and will help you to understand God’s will for you regarding your friendship. Ask the Lord to reveal His wisdom and knowledge so you can be the best friend you can be: Dear God, I pray that my friend recognizes not only Your presence, but also Your power in their life. Help them to see that there is nothing they can’t accomplish when You are by their side. Amen.
A Prayer of Support
When your friend is struggling, it can be a very difficult season for them. It is very hard and painful to see and at a certain point, it can turn into something dreadful that hardens our hearts. If your friend is struggling with addiction or depression for example, a negative attitude they might have can really wear on you. In those moments, remember that your focus is not how much your friend’s attitude bothers you. Your focus should remain on God and how to be a better source of support. God has called each one of us to help one another. The same goes for our friends: Dear God, I pray that my friend knows that You care about them in more ways than they could ever understand. Protect them today in all situations they may face and help them to see that Your support is life-changing. Amen.
As Christians, we are instructed to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes an individual’s responsibility to pray for their friends. It’s important that we arm our friendships with God’s shield of protection. Earnest prayer for your friend is good for them and for you. Bless your friend by praying for them, especially when they need your support the most.
