Today you can find me at at (in)courage where I discuss the importance of praying for friends.
I stood in my friend’s foyer and greeted guests as they came in. Some mingled and others ate from the buffet in the dining room. They were arriving from the funeral home located a block away. There my friend was also greeting guests, but she wasn’t offering them food or having delightful conversations. Instead, she was accepting condolences for the passing of her beloved father-in-law.
She loved this man, and I knew that she was in a lot of pain. That is why I chose to be with her that day. I could not lessen her grief but I could be there for her. I could pray for her.
She and I met in grade school over 35 years ago. Since that time, God has blessed our friendship that has taken us on a journey through the emotions of being teenagers, the excitement of becoming young women and the trials of getting older.
Jesus knew the importance of having friends. He spent a lot of time nurturing and growing relationships with the disciples. One of the greatest gifts he gave to them was prayer.
He taught them how to pray in Luke 11:2-4.
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
He showed them how to pray in Matthew 26:36. Read More.
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