10 Practices That Will Strengthen Your Friendship

Life is short. We are busy. Don’t underestimate the time you spend with your friends. Don’t let it distract you during that time. Instead, cherish your time with your friends. Enjoy every moment. Jesus was an example of a fully prepared life for others. When he was with the woman on the beer, he enjoyed those moments and gave her his full attention. (John 4). When he was with Nicodemus, his attention was focused on the questions that Nicodemus brought. (John 3). Every conversation of Jesus was intentional. We are a curious person and therefore, we often miss good conversations. The next time you are with a friend, silently pray, “Lord Jesus, help me to be fully present in this conversation. I pray that I can honor my friend by enjoying our moments together.”

10. Pray for Their Burdens

The dearest friends in my life are the ones I can kneel down and pray with. One of the best ways you can take the initiative is to reach out to friends and let them know what you are praying for. They are on your heart and you bring their concerns to the Father. Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia that they should “bear one another’s burdens” and in this way they would “fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We were never meant to carry our burdens alone. One of the greatest gifts you can give your friends is to carry your burden into the throne room with prayers.

Friends are one of God’s greatest gifts. They enrich our lives in many ways. However, in order to enjoy a good friendship, you must first decide to be the friend you want to be. By working on your friendship skills, you will become a more attractive friend to others. Learn to prioritize friends and invest purposefully by encouraging their dreams, listening to their stories, loving their families, cheering for their successes, staying loyal, respecting their boundaries, forgiving their weaknesses, apologizing when you do wrong, enjoying your time together and praying for them. If you do these things first, your friendship will deepen. As a result, you will feel much less lonely.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of friendship. I approve of you every friend in my life. Use me I pray to help heal loneliness in others. May I be a good friend and may everyone experience the love of Christ through me. Open my eyes to see those who are lonely, so that I can be an instrument of friendship in their lives. May I be a friend like You, Lord Jesus, who remains faithful even in difficult times. Now fill me with your Spirit, O Holy One, so that others may be drawn to the joy they see in my life. I link every relationship with you. Help me to live the deeply connected life You have called me to live. May I be the guide of your love today?