This post is all about special prayers for friends
Friends are truly special. They are the people we turn to when we need someone to lean on, and they are always there for us. We all have friends we know we can count on, no matter what. But what about the times when our friends need us? Do you know how to pray for your friends?
Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do for each other. When we take the time to lift each other up in prayer, we are tapping into a spiritual force that is far greater than anything we could ever do on our own.
This post will give you valuable nuggets to effectively pray for your friends. I will also look at friendships in the Bible and what we can learn from them. Finally, I include various special prayers at the end of the post!
Ready? Let’s go…
Why I’m writing this post
I recently wrote a post titled, “Thank God for Friends (with lots of pictures!).”
Given that I am so thankful for my friends, I decided to write this post to assist us in interceding for them.
P.S Since you are reading this, I consider you my blogger or reader friend. So I totally dedicate this post to you. You are special!
Examples of special friendships in the Bible
The Bible is full of beautiful stories of friendship. These friendships are unique because they are built on a foundation of faith and love. Here are a few of my favorite stories:
1. Jonathan and David
The story of Jonathan and David is a beautiful example of biblical friendship (see 1 Samuel 18, 1 Samuel 20, etc.). Jonathan was the son of King Saul, and David was a young shepherd boy who God had anointed to be the next king of Israel.
Even though they were from different social backgrounds, the two men formed a close bond. Jonathan loved David like a brother, and he was always there for him. When Saul became jealous of David and tried to kill him, Jonathan helped him escape. He even put his own life at risk to save David’s! This story teaches us that true friendship is built on loyalty and self-sacrifice.
2. Ruth and Naomi
The book of Ruth tells the story of two women who were widowed and forced to fend for themselves (see Ruth 1-4). Ruth, a Moabite woman, decided to leave her homeland and go with her mother-in-law Naomi to live in Judah.
Even though Ruth was a foreigner, she quickly became close friends with Naomi. The two women stuck together through thick and thin and supported each other through some of the darkest times in their lives. This story teaches us that friendship knows no bounds (or age!). It doesn’t matter where we come from or our background; we can all find friends in the most unlikely places.
3. Paul and Timothy
The book of Acts tells the story of Paul, a Jewish man persecuted for his beliefs. On his travels, he met Timothy, a young Christian, and the two men formed a close friendship (read Acts 16 & 1&2 Timothy).
Paul mentored Timothy and helped him to grow in his faith. He also entrusted him with important tasks like preaching the gospel and organizing the early Church. This story teaches us that friendship can be a powerful tool for good. When we invest in our relationships and help others to grow, we can make a real difference in the world.
4. Jesus and Lazarus
The story of Jesus and Lazarus is a beautiful example of biblical friendship (see John 11). Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus, and he loved him dearly.
When Lazarus became ill and died, Jesus arrived and saw Mary weeping (verse 33). Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled, and he wept. Jesus then went on and raised him from the dead. This story teaches us that friendship is about more than just happy times. It’s also about being there for each other in the darkest moments of our lives and also being compassionate.
These are just four of the many examples of biblical friendship we see in the bible. As we read these stories, we can learn important lessons about what it means to be a friend.
So let us never take our friendships for granted, and let us always be there for each other in times of need.
Words of blessing for a friend (affirmations)
When you want to give a loved one words of blessing and encouragement, it can be tough to know where to start. What words will carry the most weight? Which scriptures can offer the perfect sentiment?
I’ve done the hard work for you – here are words of blessing based on scripture that will encourage and uplift your friend!
- “Your past does not define you.” (Isaiah 43:18)
- “You are called according to God’s purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
- “You are an instrument of God’s love.” (Romans 5:5)
- “You are not alone.” (Hebrews 13:5)
- “God loves you.” (Romans 5:8)
- “You are forgiven by God.” (Colossians 2:13)
- “You are chosen by God.” (1 Peter 2:9)
- “You are created for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)
- “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” (Philippians 4:13)
- “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14)
Bible verses about friendship
Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Friends are incredibly important in our lives. They can be a shoulder to cry on, someone to celebrate with, and someone to help us through tough times. That’s why it’s so important that we take the time to pray for our friends.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” This verse tells us that friends are important because they can help us when we need them. Friends can help us to grow and learn, and they can be there for us when we need them.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This verse tells us that friends are important because they love us unconditionally. They are also there for us during our darkest hours. When we pray for our friends, we should ask God to help them to be unconditional in their love for us. We should also ask God to assist them to be there for us during our darkest hour.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” This verse warns us about the importance of choosing our friends wisely. We should pray that God would help us to choose our friends wisely. We should also pray that God would help us to be a good influence on our friends.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This verse tells us that friends are important because they help us to grow and become better people. When we pray for our friends, we should ask God to help them to help us grow and become better people.
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” This verse tells us that friends are important because they can make us wiser or lead us astray. We should also ask God to help us to associate with wise friends.
Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” This verse tells us that friends are important because they can influence our behavior. When we pray for our friends, we should ask God to help them to be a good influence on our behavior. We should also ask God to help us to associate with friends who will be a positive influence.
Special prayer points for friends

1. Know Jesus as their personal Savior!
First and foremost, we must always pray for our friends to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. This is the most important thing that we can ever pray for them!
There are a few key bible verses that talk about the importance of prayer for our unsaved friends:
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
- “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18)
- “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)
2. That they receive and be filled by the Holy Spirit
Pray that your friends will be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is an incredibly powerful weapon that they can use against the enemy!
The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is a powerful weapon against the enemy:
- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
- “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
- “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 1:20)
We should pray that our friends would be filled with the Holy Spirit so that they can have this power working in their lives as well!
3. Pray that your friends will be protected from the enemy.
The devil is always looking for ways to destroy our lives, and we need to pray that our friends will be safe from his schemes.
The bible tells us that we are in a spiritual battle against the enemy:
- “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
- “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
4. Pray that your friends would have wisdom.
We all need wisdom in order to make the right decisions in life, and we should pray that our friends would have wisdom as well.
The Bible tells us that wisdom is a precious thing:
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
- “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10)
- “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.” (Proverbs 4:5)
5. Pray that your friends would be obedient to God.
Obedience is paramount, and we should pray that our friends obey God’s commands.
The Bible tells us that obedience is crucial:
- “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19)
- “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)
- “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.” (Exodus 19:5)
6. Pray that your friends will be faithful to God.
Faithfulness is another vital virtue; we should pray that our friends will be faithful to God.
The Bible tells us that faithfulness is very important:
- “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
- “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)
7. Pray for their perseverance
We all need perseverance so that we can persist in times of difficulty. Pray that your friends would be patient and perseverant in their faith, so that they would not give up and be lost. Pray that they will be perseverant in every situation- through Christ Jesus, and that they will have the strength to overcome whatever challenges they are facing.
The Bible tells us that perseverance is very important:
- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
- “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
- “Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Other prayer points are as follows:
Pray that your friends will…
- God more deeply.
- Experience God’s love and grace in their lives.
- Be protected from harm, both physically and spiritually.
- Have wisdom and discernment in all areas of their lives.
- Be bold in sharing their faith with others.
- Would be united in love and purpose.
- Be a light in the world, showing God’s love to those around you.
Special prayers for friends
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you today in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, and my Lord.
I enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise. No one compares to you; you are almighty and all-knowing. Praised be thy name because your word will not come back void, but it shall accomplish that which you purpose as per Isaiah 55:11.
I bring before you a special friend. I pray that you will give them your peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let that peace be with them in all areas of their life. May they take comfort in knowing that you will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I pray they shall be alert and sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) due to the enemy prowling around like a roaring lion. May they be sensitive and aware that this battle is not flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). I pray that they entirely rely on you and the sword of the Spirit, which is your word, as they navigate any trials they may face. May they be victorious through you.
I ask that you draw them closer to you and help them to know you more deeply. Give them wisdom and discernment in all areas of their lives. Fill them with your love and grace, and protect them from all harm.
Help them to be bold in sharing their faith with others and unify them in love and purpose. May they be a light in the world, shining your love on those around them.
Grant [insert name] wisdom to make the right decisions.
Lord, bless them and keep them. Shine your face upon them and be gracious to them. Lift your countenance upon them and give them peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for friend’s success
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for for your goodness. You are good, and you are great. Hebrews 4:14-16 says we should approach your throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Thank you for the amazing gift of friendship. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be connected with [name of friend].
Today, I come before you in prayer, asking for your blessing on my friend who is [insert specific need for success]. I ask that you give them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions and guide them in the path of righteousness. I pray that your favor will be upon them and that they will be successful in all their endeavors.
Just as Jabez prayed for blessing and enlargement of territory, I, too, pray that this would be my friend’s portion. I also pray that they will lend to many and borrow from none, per Deuteronomy.
I earnestly pray that they shall not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing their mind, so that they may prove Your good and acceptable and perfect will for their life!
Lord, I know you are the giver of good gifts, and I thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on my friend. I ask that you would continue to bless them with prosperity and success, both now and into the future. May they thrive and grow, may they experience Your favor in every aspect of their lives, and may they always give you glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And that’s it, folks, special prayers for friends
Prayer is a powerful tool we can use to intercede on behalf of our friends. As we pray for them, we ask God to work in their lives and help them in different areas. We should pray for our friends regularly and encourage them to pray for themselves too!
Hugs!

What a beautiful post of examples of friendships in scripture, verses and the ways in which we can pray for a friend or friends. We all like to have special friends in our lives and you really made me think about prayer for them more specifically than what I have thought previously. I usually pray for something they have asked me to, but not always go beyond that. Thank you Heather.
Hello Manu, I agree with you- I’ve been thinking about praying for friends (especially now that I’m older and wiser). True friends are truly blessings from God so I’ve been even more motivated to add them to my prayer lists. Be blessed Manu, may God continue to elevate you!