5 Prayers for Difficult Friendships

Friendship is a beautiful gift in this life; it can offer what we need in our hearts towards companionship, feeling understood, or authentic joy in memories. At times friendships can enter into seasons of hardship or difficulty. When such times arise, we can approach God in how we ought to navigate the times, knowing He can see every angle and aspect and what we are called to do in action.

1. Prayer for Friends that Hurt Us

Father God,

We come before you to pray over friendships in our lives. At times friends can hurt us, whether it be a sting or a soul wound, and it is especially painful when it is met without apology or acknowledgment of the harm invoked. Lord, we pray for Your wisdom and assistance in these situations. Help us know when to hold our tongues or when and how to approach confronting said friend in a Godly manner. Lord, we also pray for the hurt that our friend is feeling. It is typically the case that hurt people hurt people, and there may be something underlying that needs addressing within their heart and spirit. Lord, we may not know what their hurt is coming from, but You do. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear what is permitted for us to know and give us hearts tender to pray for our brethren to come into healing that can only come from You. Please do heal our wounds as well. May the jabs and arrows bounce off of us and fall to the ground that they may never wound another. May our scars receive supernatural healing that we can know it was by Your touch alone that they were mended. May our hearts come before You in these hurts.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

2. Prayer on Confronting Friends

Father God,

We come before You asking for wisdom on how to confront our brother or sister through difficulties. Lord, we recall Your words in Matthew 18:15-17, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” 

Lord, give us discernment in how to go about talking to this person. If we are to listen and hold space, give us the ability to do so. If we are to offer biblical wisdom with no hidden motives, then Lord, give us the words to say that are rooted in truth, humility, and love. There are times when calling someone out is needed, but it can be done in a manner that is richly filled with respect for all parties and, most of all, in accordance with how You would want us to act. Lord, please walk with us in such conversations. We seek to honor You above all.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

3. Prayer for a Strained Relationship

Father God,

It is a strange occurrence when relationships shift. A friendship that was once a daily communication, a daily check-in, or a constant doing life with fading into almost a stranger-like status can feel defeating. Even friends who were once like family feeling miles away can make your heartache. Lord, we pray for these strained relationships. If they are someone You desire to have in our innermost circle, then Lord, please bring them closer than a brother, but if they are not for us, then Lord let it be known in our spirits and granted peace. We desire to live lives surrendered to You in all things, including relationships. Let us not become so stubborn in our desires that we overstep and push what You are trying to do, but in the same way, do not let us let go of friendships that are meant for more. Guide these relationships as You see fit, adjusting them season by season for what Your heart truly is for them and us.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

4. Prayer for a Toxic Relationship

Father God,

Perhaps one of the hardest pills to swallow in the realm of relationships is acknowledging that some relationships are toxic. This means that they only breed adversity, strife, harm, and pain with very little to show of fruits of the Spirit. As hard as it is, Lord, help us know when and how exactly to cut off toxic relationships. If that means distancing or setting up firm boundaries, Lord help us do so. If it means completely cutting off contact altogether, then Lord, direct us on how to do that correctly. Also, let us know when we are getting ahead of ourselves, for we do not want to use words such as toxic or harmful capriciously. Give us wisdom and guidance in ending relationships when necessary properly and in a Godly manner. Make it clear that there is no room for regret or doubt.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

5. Prayer for Healthy Friendships

Father God,

We come before You to ask for healthy, uplifting, and Godly friendships. You said in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “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.” We want those kinds of relationships that are supportive and upright. Bring into our lives people who need us as well, to do life with and to be a blessing to. Lord, we want the kinds of friendships like that of David and Jonathan. It is said that they were not blood but that they were closer than brothers. Please bring forward companions like that, those who will go with us into battle, or those who will celebrate with us with such sincerity that the victory is for them as much as it is for us. Reveal to us the people that are of Your heart for us. Embolden those who seek to do Your Will and honor Your heart in all things, for we want those kinds of people alongside us. Lord, we want healthy, life-giving friendships that you and you alone can only bring forward.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Having a friend and being a friend is a gift this side of Heaven, but that is a two-way street. At times these connections can grow stale, or they can show themselves trying. When such occurrences arise, connect with our Heavenly Father for help, don’t take it on alone. He is kind and gracious to come alongside us to give us the insight we need to steer through these times. Lean on God, follow His revelations, and know that He cares even more about your friendships than you will ever know.

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Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com