We often think of friendship in terms of laughter, conversations, shared meals, and celebrations. But there is more to friendship than these things. A true friend is revealed when life becomes difficult. One of the greatest ways to stand with someone in adversity is through prayer. When we pray for others, we carry their burdens before God, even when we cannot solve their problems ourselves. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give a struggling friend is not advice or money, but faithful intercession before the throne of grace. A friend that doesn’t pray for you, is that one a friend?
Throughout the Bible, God’s people prayed for one another. Paul repeatedly told the churches, “I remember you in my prayers.” Jesus told Peter, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32). Notice that Jesus did not promise Peter a life without trials. Instead, He prayed that Peter would endure them. There is profound comfort in knowing that someone is calling your name before God. Prayer reminds us that we do not carry life’s battles alone. It is one of the simplest expressions of Christian love, yet one of the most powerful.
Take a moment today and think beyond your own needs. With everything going on in our own personal lives, it might be tough to spare time to pray for others. But this is important. Who in your life is carrying a burden you may not fully understand? A friend looking for work. A family struggling financially. A leader making difficult decisions. Pray for them. Send them a message of encouragement if you can. Let them know they are not forgotten. A praying friend is one of God’s gifts to a weary soul. Be the kind of friend who carries people to God, not just the kind who talks about them.
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