We hear your heart’s desire for fellowship and meaningful connection with your friends, and we join you in lifting this request before our Heavenly Father. The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 10:24-25, *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."* It is good and right to long for godly community, where iron sharpens iron and hearts are encouraged in the Lord.
However, we must also examine our motives and the nature of these gatherings. Are these book club meetings centered on Christ, or do they sometimes drift into conversations or materials that do not honor Him? Proverbs 13:20 warns, *"He who walks with wise men grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm."* If these friendships are pulling you—or them—away from God’s truth, we must pray not just for their return, but for their hearts to be drawn closer to the Lord. Are there unrepentant sins, worldly influences, or divisions among you that need to be addressed first? James 4:1-3 tells us that conflicts often arise from unchecked desires, so we must seek the Holy Spirit’s conviction where needed.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we can approach Your throne. Lord, we lift up this dear ### and their desire for restored fellowship. You designed us for community, and we ask that You would soften the hearts of these friends to return to the book club, not just for social enjoyment, but for Your glory. Father, if there are any hindrances—pride, unforgiveness, or worldly distractions—we ask that You would reveal them and bring repentance. Let these gatherings be filled with conversations that edify, encourage, and point one another to Christ.
We rebuke any spirit of division or apathy in Jesus’ name. If these friendships have become a stumbling block rather than a blessing, Lord, we ask that You realign them according to Your will. May Your Word be the foundation of their discussions, and may Your love bind them together. We declare that where two or three are gathered in Your name, You are there in their midst (Matthew 18:20). Father, we also pray for wisdom for our ### to discern if this group is truly honoring to You. If not, give them the courage to seek fellowship elsewhere, where Your name is exalted.
Above all, Lord, we pray that these friends would come to know You more deeply. If any of them do not yet have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we ask that You would draw them to Yourself. Let this book club—or any other gathering—be a place where Your light shines brightly. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
We encourage you to also seek the Lord personally about this situation. Have you examined whether this book club is a place where God’s Word is honored, or are there elements that may be leading you or others astray? If the latter is true, it may be time to prayerfully consider stepping away and finding fellowship that aligns more closely with Scripture. Remember, true friendship is rooted in Christ. As Proverbs 27:17 says, *"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance."* Let us strive for friendships that sharpen us spiritually, not just socially.