Praying to the Best of Friends

Dear Friend of Sinners,

I don’t know why you’ve befriended me,
why you’re “a friend that sticks closer than a brother,”
or why you proved that there is no greater love than
a man who gives up his life for his friend.

I don’t think I’m that kind of friend,
but I want to be.
Could I give up my life?

I want to be the friend who gives up time and energy for others.
I want to be the friend who cries for them in their grief
and rejoices with them in their successes,
who is never jealous or competitive,
a friend who is secure enough to include outsiders
but trustworthy enough to guard privacy.

Lord, humble me so I am willing to sacrifice for people when they need me.
Encourage me through your friendship so I don’t give up trusting others.
Comfort me so I don’t get used to being lonely.
Give me the friends you want me to reach.

Make me the kind of friend that you are, Jesus.

Amen.