Help us to become friends
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We understand your heart’s desire for reconciliation and friendship, and we join you in lifting this before the Lord. It is a noble and Christ-like pursuit to seek peace and common ground, especially when there has been division or hurt in the past. The Bible calls us to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18), and to love even those who may not love us in return (Matthew 5:44). However, we must also remember that true friendship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a foundation that honors God. If this person has been resistant to Christians or to you specifically, we must pray not only for their heart to soften but also for wisdom and discernment in how you proceed.
First, let us address the importance of invoking the name of Jesus in prayer. You mentioned "Jesus help me," which is good, but we want to remind you that it is *only* through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said, *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). There is power in the name of Jesus, and we are commanded to pray in His name (John 16:23-24). So as we pray, we do so boldly in the name of Jesus, knowing that He is our Mediator and the only way to reconciliation—both with God and with others.
Now, let us consider the nature of this friendship. The Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), not because we are to avoid all interaction with non-Christians, but because close relationships—especially those that influence our walk with Christ—must be rooted in shared faith and values. If this person is not a believer, we pray that your friendship would be a light to them, drawing them closer to Christ rather than pulling you away from Him. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, *"He who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."* So we must ask: Is this friendship one that will honor God? Will it encourage you both in faith, or will it lead to compromise?
If there has been sin or offense in the past—whether on your part or theirs—we must also seek repentance and forgiveness. Jesus taught us to first remove the plank from our own eye before addressing the speck in another’s (Matthew 7:3-5). Have you examined your own heart to ensure there is no unforgiveness, bitterness, or unconfessed sin? If not, we encourage you to do so, for *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9).
As for the past being "history," we agree that we are to forget what is behind and press forward (Philippians 3:13-14). However, we must also learn from the past and ensure that any reconciliation is built on godly principles. If this person has been hostile toward Christians, we pray that their heart would indeed soften—not just toward you, but toward the truth of the Gospel. Remember, it is God who changes hearts, not us. Our role is to love, pray, and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but we cannot force someone to receive it.
Let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this desire for reconciliation and friendship. Lord, You are the God of peace, and You call us to live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on us. We ask that You would soften the heart of this individual toward our brother or sister in Christ and toward Your people. Remove any bitterness, prejudice, or hardness of heart, and replace it with a spirit of openness and understanding. If there has been offense or sin in the past, we pray for forgiveness and healing on both sides. Convict hearts where conviction is needed, and grant repentance where it is lacking.
Father, we also ask for wisdom. If this friendship is not one that would honor You or draw both parties closer to Christ, we pray that You would make that clear. Guard our brother/sister from unequally yoked relationships that could lead to compromise or spiritual harm. If this friendship is Your will, then let it be a testimony of Your love and grace. Let it be a relationship that encourages godliness, mutual edification, and a shared pursuit of You.
We rebuked any spirit of division, bitterness, or resistance to Your truth. We declare that no weapon formed against Your people will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would break down any walls that the enemy has built. Let Your love and truth prevail.
Finally, Lord, we pray that if this person does not know You, that You would use this situation to draw them to Yourself. Let them see Christ in our brother/sister, and let their heart be opened to the Gospel. May any common ground found be rooted in You, the Cornerstone.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Reconciler. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying and seeking the Lord’s will in this. Be patient, for hearts do not change overnight, but God is faithful. Trust in Him to work in ways you cannot see. And remember, even if this friendship does not come to pass as you hope, your obedience in loving and praying for this person is pleasing to God. *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16). Stay rooted in Christ, and let Him guide your steps.
First, let us address the importance of invoking the name of Jesus in prayer. You mentioned "Jesus help me," which is good, but we want to remind you that it is *only* through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said, *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). There is power in the name of Jesus, and we are commanded to pray in His name (John 16:23-24). So as we pray, we do so boldly in the name of Jesus, knowing that He is our Mediator and the only way to reconciliation—both with God and with others.
Now, let us consider the nature of this friendship. The Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), not because we are to avoid all interaction with non-Christians, but because close relationships—especially those that influence our walk with Christ—must be rooted in shared faith and values. If this person is not a believer, we pray that your friendship would be a light to them, drawing them closer to Christ rather than pulling you away from Him. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, *"He who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."* So we must ask: Is this friendship one that will honor God? Will it encourage you both in faith, or will it lead to compromise?
If there has been sin or offense in the past—whether on your part or theirs—we must also seek repentance and forgiveness. Jesus taught us to first remove the plank from our own eye before addressing the speck in another’s (Matthew 7:3-5). Have you examined your own heart to ensure there is no unforgiveness, bitterness, or unconfessed sin? If not, we encourage you to do so, for *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9).
As for the past being "history," we agree that we are to forget what is behind and press forward (Philippians 3:13-14). However, we must also learn from the past and ensure that any reconciliation is built on godly principles. If this person has been hostile toward Christians, we pray that their heart would indeed soften—not just toward you, but toward the truth of the Gospel. Remember, it is God who changes hearts, not us. Our role is to love, pray, and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but we cannot force someone to receive it.
Let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this desire for reconciliation and friendship. Lord, You are the God of peace, and You call us to live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on us. We ask that You would soften the heart of this individual toward our brother or sister in Christ and toward Your people. Remove any bitterness, prejudice, or hardness of heart, and replace it with a spirit of openness and understanding. If there has been offense or sin in the past, we pray for forgiveness and healing on both sides. Convict hearts where conviction is needed, and grant repentance where it is lacking.
Father, we also ask for wisdom. If this friendship is not one that would honor You or draw both parties closer to Christ, we pray that You would make that clear. Guard our brother/sister from unequally yoked relationships that could lead to compromise or spiritual harm. If this friendship is Your will, then let it be a testimony of Your love and grace. Let it be a relationship that encourages godliness, mutual edification, and a shared pursuit of You.
We rebuked any spirit of division, bitterness, or resistance to Your truth. We declare that no weapon formed against Your people will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would break down any walls that the enemy has built. Let Your love and truth prevail.
Finally, Lord, we pray that if this person does not know You, that You would use this situation to draw them to Yourself. Let them see Christ in our brother/sister, and let their heart be opened to the Gospel. May any common ground found be rooted in You, the Cornerstone.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Reconciler. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying and seeking the Lord’s will in this. Be patient, for hearts do not change overnight, but God is faithful. Trust in Him to work in ways you cannot see. And remember, even if this friendship does not come to pass as you hope, your obedience in loving and praying for this person is pleasing to God. *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16). Stay rooted in Christ, and let Him guide your steps.
We're right there with you, praying for a softened heart and common ground with this person. It's a beautiful thing to desire friendship and unity, and we believe God hears your heart's cry. Let's keep lifting this up together, asking for His will to be done.
We've been praying for wisdom too, that you'd have discernment in how to proceed. Remember, true friendship should be built on mutual respect and shared values that honor God. Let's ask God to help you navigate this, and to give you the right words to say and the right actions to take.
We're also praying for any past hurts or offenses to be healed. If there's anything in your own heart that needs forgiving or letting go, we encourage you to do that. Unconfessed sin can sometimes hinder our prayers, but God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us when we confess (1 John 1:9).
Let's trust God to work in this situation, knowing that He's the one who changes hearts. Our role is to love, pray, and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but we can't force someone to receive it. Let's keep praying, be patient, and trust God to work in His own time and way.
Keep seeking the Lord's will in this, and remember, even if this friendship doesn't turn out as you hope, your obedience in loving and praying for this person is pleasing to God. Let your light shine, and trust that God will use you to draw this person closer to Him, one way or another.
Stay rooted in Christ, and let Him guide your steps. We're praying with you, believing that God will work all things together for His glory and your good (Romans 8:28).
We've been praying for wisdom too, that you'd have discernment in how to proceed. Remember, true friendship should be built on mutual respect and shared values that honor God. Let's ask God to help you navigate this, and to give you the right words to say and the right actions to take.
We're also praying for any past hurts or offenses to be healed. If there's anything in your own heart that needs forgiving or letting go, we encourage you to do that. Unconfessed sin can sometimes hinder our prayers, but God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us when we confess (1 John 1:9).
Let's trust God to work in this situation, knowing that He's the one who changes hearts. Our role is to love, pray, and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but we can't force someone to receive it. Let's keep praying, be patient, and trust God to work in His own time and way.
Keep seeking the Lord's will in this, and remember, even if this friendship doesn't turn out as you hope, your obedience in loving and praying for this person is pleasing to God. Let your light shine, and trust that God will use you to draw this person closer to Him, one way or another.
Stay rooted in Christ, and let Him guide your steps. We're praying with you, believing that God will work all things together for His glory and your good (Romans 8:28).
Maria 'Wuthei'
Humble Prayer Partner
I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.
The Encourager
The Encourager
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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