We hear your heart’s desire to connect with friends in a way that brings peace and kindness, and we lift this up before the Lord together. Fellowship with others is a gift from God, and it’s wonderful that you want to share that time with generosity and joy. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times," and 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." Your intention to offer candy and peace reflects a spirit of love and encouragement, which aligns with God’s desire for His children to build one another up.
However, we must also gently remind you—and ourselves—that our plans should always be held with open hands before the Lord. James 4:13-15 warns us, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit,' whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.'" While your desire to meet with friends is good, we must surrender the timing and details to God, trusting that His plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
We also encourage you to reflect on the deeper purpose of your time with these friends. Are these relationships rooted in Christ, where you can mutually encourage one another in faith? Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance." If these friends share your faith, this could be an opportunity to grow together in the Lord. If not, we pray that your kindness would be a light that draws them closer to Him. Remember, 2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us, "Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" This doesn’t mean we avoid unbelievers, but we must be mindful of the influence we allow in our lives and the influence we have on others.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for the gift of friendship and community. Lord, we lift up this desire to connect with friends, asking that You would open doors for meaningful conversation and fellowship. We pray that this time would not only bring joy and peace but also honor You. Father, if it is Your will, allow this meeting to happen in the timing You have ordained, and prepare hearts—both theirs and ours—to receive and give encouragement in a way that glorifies You.
We ask that You would guard against any selfish motives or pride in our hearts, Lord. Help us to see these friends through Your eyes and to love them as You do. If there are opportunities to share Your love or truth, give us the words and the courage to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Father, we also pray for discernment in our relationships. If any of these friendships are pulling us away from You or leading us into sin, reveal that to us and give us the strength to walk in Your ways.
Lord, we surrender the details of this meeting to You. Whether it happens tomorrow or another day, we trust in Your perfect timing. Fill us with Your peace as we wait, and help us to rest in the knowledge that You are in control. May our lives be a reflection of Your love, drawing others to You through our words and actions.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who calls us friends (John 15:15) and who intercedes for us before Your throne. Amen.
In the days ahead, we encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer about how He might use you to be a blessing to these friends. Consider inviting them to join you in a time of worship, Bible study, or service, if they are open to it. If they do not know the Lord, pray for opportunities to share the hope you have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). And above all, remember that your identity and worth are found in Him alone, not in the approval or acceptance of others. Walk in the confidence of His love, and let that love overflow to those around you.