'Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up'—30 Powerful Prayers for a Friend

Morgan Bailee Boggess

July 5, 2023 at 9:22 AM·20 min read

True friends are more than just companions; they come into our lives for a reason and are who we trust with our deepest secrets, to guide us down the right path and to lean on in our time of need. Without friendship, life wouldn’t be the same. That's why prioritizing prayers for a friend is so important!

The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Praying for your friends is an act of love that does just that. It uplifts and connects you both through spiritual support. But if you’re not used to praying, or it feels like stepping outside your comfort zone, that’s okay. It can be hard to know what to say—even those who pray regularly struggle at times.

This list of 30 prayers for friends is a starting place to add to your prayer routine. Whether someone is going through a difficult time, needing strength or feeling overwhelmed, or if you are feeling lonely and asking God for closer connections, better communication or conflict resolution, we've got them all. While some of them are meant for the individual, others are meant for group prayer.

30 Prayers for a Friend

1. A Prayer for Difficult Times

Heavenly Father, I come to you humbly, asking for your guidance and strength for a friend during this difficult season. You know the struggles they are facing, and Lord you know the fears that haunt them that others cannot see. Provide them with the courage and the wisdom they need to confront the challenges of their present and the future. Renew and restore them with your faith and grace, and let them know that you are with them every step of the way.

2. A Prayer for Good Health

“Dearest Lord, thank You for blessing my life with my parents, for they led me to You. My faith continues to be fortified with their support, as together, we are a family of Your followers. I pray that You grant my parents good health, so that they may continue to live out Your will and spread Your good news. Heal them of any afflictions and ease their sufferings, oh merciful Lord. I pray that they overcome any challenges on their continuous journey through life, as they deserve nothing but Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.” - Alyssa Castillo

3. A Prayer for Strength

“Heavenly Father, At this moment, I come before You seeking Your divine strength and guidance for my friend. I acknowledge that they are weak and limited on their own, but with You, all things are possible. Grant them the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that You are with them every step of the way. When they feel overwhelmed or discouraged, remind them of Your steadfast love and the promises in Your Word. I hope they surrender their weaknesses and fears to You, Lord. I ask that You replace them with Your strength and courage. Let Your light shine through them so that others may witness Your love and find hope in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness, O God. Strengthen me in body, mind, and spirit, that they may serve You with all my heart. I pray all this in the name of Jesus, my Savior, and Redeemer. Amen.” - Barbara McCoy

4. A Prayer for Endurance

“Heavenly Father, strengthen my friend _______ today with your power so that she can endure every situation and have the patience she needs to complete the assignments you have placed in her hands. Fill her heart with joy while she continues to survive during this season.” (based on Colossians 1:11) - Mamie Pack

5. A Prayer for Conflict in Friendship

“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the season of friendship You granted me with the person You placed on my heart today. It didn’t last as long as I thought it would, but it was a gift nonetheless, and so I praise You in spite of the pain of loss I still feel today. Please shield me from the cords of bitterness that sometimes rear their ugly heads, and give me eyes to see the greater good that You have in store for me and for my friend as we continue life’s journey on separate paths. Bless her, Lord, and provide for her every need and for mine, as well. It’s in the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.” - Jennifer Clarke

6. A Prayer for General Healing

“We thank You, Father God, that You are searching our hearts and illuminating our relationships. If anyone in our lives is slowing us down and keeping us from our promise or just picking on our promise, reveal it to us…we ask You to help us move in healthy relationships and right community, with people who are for us and not against us, just as they are for You and not against You. In Jesus’s name, amen.” - Michael Todd

7. A Prayer for Boldness

“Lord, Help me to love You and talk to You as a close friend. When I feel like there’s a wall between us, remind me that I can come boldly before your throne of grace and ask for help in my time of need (see Hebrews 4:16). In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Joyce Meyer

8. A Prayer for a Circle of Friends

"Lord, thank You for bringing the right friends into my life! Give me wisdom and discernment to know who to welcome into my inner circle, and help me build strong, healthy relationships with them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” - Joyce Meyer

9. A Prayer for Peace

“I pray for the one reading these words right now. I pray that whatever they are facing right now, that they would take a deep breath and inhale more of you and your peace while exhaling any of the worries that weigh them down. I pray that they would be anxious for nothing, but would come to you in prayer with all their needs, thanking you even now that you know how you’re going to take care of every last detail.” - Dr. Michelle Bengson

10. A Prayer for Marriage

“Gracious Lord, I come before You today, lifting up marriages to Your loving care. You designed marriage to be a sacred union that reflects Your love for Your people. I pray for my friend and their spouse, seeking Your guidance, strength, and blessings upon their relationship. First, I ask for Your presence to be at the center of their marriage. Help them to keep You as their foundation, seeking Your wisdom and guidance in all their decisions. Teach them to love one another selflessly, just as You have loved us. Grant them the grace to communicate openly and honestly, with compassion and understanding. Help them to listen to one another's hearts and to be patient with each other's weaknesses. Give them the ability to resolve conflicts quickly and respectfully, always seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. Lord, I pray for unity within their marriage. May they be bound together with cords of love, respect, and mutual support. Strengthen the bond between them, deepening their commitment and intimacy. Protect their marriage from outside influences seeking to harm or divide them. Guard them against the temptations and distractions that can weaken their relationship. Give them the discernment to prioritize their marriage above all other commitments and to invest time and effort in nurturing their love. Father, bless their marriage with joy, laughter, and shared dreams. Help them to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for one another. Enable them to create a home filled with love, peace, and hospitality, where Your presence is felt and honored. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.” - Barbara McCoy

11. A Prayer of Thanksgiving

“Dear God, thank You always blessing me with the people in my life. When I am down, they are always there to lift me up. I know that You make Your holy presence known in my life through them. I am never alone, because You are here with me through my loved ones. With so much gratitude in my heart, I offer You this prayer for family and friends in thanks. Thank You for showing me that love and care can be found anywhere, especially in the people in our lives, because I can now share my knowledge with those around me. Amen.” - Alyssa Castillo

12. A Prayer for Finding New Friends

Father, we ask for Your divine guidance in forming and maintaining friendships. May we seek friendships rooted in love, kindness, and mutual respect. Teach us to be patient listeners, offering a safe space for our friends to share their anxieties and worries. Grant us wisdom to offer words of encouragement and, when needed, the discernment to know when to simply be present, offering a comforting presence.

13. A Prayer for Choosing Good Friends

Father, I lift my relationships up to you. Help me to know who I should spend time with—the people who will influence me in a positive way and deepen my relationship with You. Help me to also be a positive influence in the lives of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Joyce Meyer

14. A Prayer for Depression and Sadness

“Lord, my friend has experienced intense bouts of sadness, numbness, depression and often feels isolated from their friends and family. Help them to know Your love and the love we have for them. That nothing they can do can separate them from your grace and mercy. Remind them of their inheritance of the Kingdom of God and that you made them in your image. You have a beautiful plan for them, and no matter what their thoughts say, nothing can deter that plan. Please God, always be by their side and show them the right path to follow. Amen.” - Savelli Roma-Vaticano

15. A Prayer for Faith

“Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that faith is Your precious gift. I recognize that without faith, it is impossible to please You, and I ask that You strengthen and deepen my and my friend’s faith Lord, I pray that You would increase our faith in You and Your promises. Help us to trust in Your goodness, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or uncertain. Strengthen our belief in Your love, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. We confess any doubts or fears that may hinder our faith. Please forgive us for moments of unbelief and help us to surrender them to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, who empowers and strengthens our faith so that we may walk confidently in Your ways. We pray for an unwavering and steadfast faith rooted in Your Word. Help us to meditate on Your promises and to find assurance in Your faithfulness. Grant us the courage to stand firm in my convictions, even in the face of opposition or doubt. Lord, we ask for the faith that moves mountains. Help me to trust in Your power and authority. Increase our faith to believe that nothing is impossible with You. May we confidently approach every situation, knowing that You can accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. May our faith be evident in our words, actions, and attitudes so that others may see Your light shining through us. Use our faith as a testimony of Your grace and love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.” Barbara McCoy

16. A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Overwhelmed

“Heavenly Father, Please strengthen the heart of my dear friend, and remind them to take courage when the troubles of life start to overwhelm them. Please guard them heart from depression. Give my friend the strength to rise up each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh them down. Please lead my friend to the right source for help. Thank you for understanding what they are going through, and thank you that Your Word tells me that even Your Son Jesus went through hard times emotionally. There were times that He was distressed, grieved, faced loneliness, experienced deep sorrow, and after the death of John, He went into isolation. He cried in prayer, and at times He was overwhelmingly sad. There was even a time that He was afraid His body would not survive the anguish He felt. Please Lord, give my friend the strength to always keep going, despite the difficulties of life. Give them divine protection, everyday of their life. Amen.” - Savelli Roma-Vaticano

17. A Prayer for Peace After Loss

“Dear God, I lift up my friend who is mourning the loss of a loved one. I pray that You bring them comfort amidst this painful event. We hold on to Your promise of walking with us through the darkest valleys of our lives and I know we are not alone, especially during this difficult time. With this condolence prayer, I pray that my dear friend’s heart is soothed as they find strength in You. Please watch over them and take away their anguish so that they may see Your light at the end of the tunnel. I pray that they do not lose hope as they grieve, for You have great plans for them amidst all this pain. Protect their heart and mind with Your peace, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” - Alecia Milano

18. A Prayer for Joy

“Loving God, thank You for the blessings You’ve bestowed upon my friend. I have so many things to be thankful for, yet they are missing joy. I ask that You provide them with joy immeasurable. Happiness abounds in their life and their heart, but they long for joy. Bring them closer to You so they can be the follower they need to be. Pull them so close that the distance between them and You will seem to have never existed. Jesus, I want to love like You, forgive like You, and live for You. I ask these things for myself and my friend in Your precious name. Amen.” - Connect US [Adapted for Friend]

19. A Prayer for Genuine Happiness

“Dear blessed and loving Father, Hear my prayers for friends and family, and let your blessings fill their spirits. Let your presence grant them genuine happiness and instill your words in their minds to give light and wisdom to their thoughts. Help them realize that no earthly desire can satisfy their soul, similar to how your power grants joy and contentment to anyone. I pray that you forgive my family and friends whenever they deviate from every word you speak. These are the desires of my spirit, Lord, and I am praying for them in Jesus’ name. Amen.” - Kimberly Wall

20. A Prayer for Forgiveness

Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray for my friend to know forgiveness in your grace. I pray they feel your word as they begin to repair relationships with those who have hurt them. Let kindness fill their hearts and peace fill their spirit. Amen.

21. A Prayer for Solace

“Compassionate Father, In this time of deep sorrow and grief, I come before You, seeking Your comfort and solace. You are the God of all comfort, and I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around grieving people. Lord, I lift up to You those who have lost loved ones. Ease their pain and mend their broken hearts. Be their refuge and strength in this time of immense sadness. Pour out Your healing balm upon their wounds and bring them the peace that surpasses all understanding. Grant them the space to grieve and mourn, knowing that You are near to the brokenhearted. Help them to express their emotions honestly and find comfort in sharing their burdens with You. Surround them with supportive family and friends who can provide comfort and understanding. Father, we trust in Your promise that You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Pour out Your healing, comfort, and peace upon all who mourn. In the name of Jesus, Amen.” - Barbara McCoy

22. A Prayer for Clarity

Loving and generous God, I pray for you to encourage my friend to keep questioning and learning and to not give up no matter how inadequate it may feel. Bring clarity to any confusion and provide peace to any anxiety that comes with this. Enable them to trust their capabilities and remain confident that it is all part of the learning process. Amen.

23. A Prayer for Friends Led Astray

Dear Lord, you have commanded us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us. Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before your throne. We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them, we pray, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Amen

24. A Prayer for Intrusive Thoughts

“God, I want to pray for anyone who is being held hostage by their thoughts that they aren’t adequate enough to do what you have called them to do. I pray you break every chain that wants to hold them back & cause fear to take root. I ask you remove anything that’s not from You.” - Sopha Rush

25. A Prayer of God’s Word

“Father, Mother, God, Thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days. For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you for your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less. And thank you for your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able to celebrate you and our families and our friends. For those who have no voice, we ask you to speak. For those who feel unworthy, we ask you to pour your love out in waterfalls of tenderness. For those who live in pain, we ask you to bathe them in the river of your healing. For those who are lonely, we ask you to keep them company. For those who are depressed, we ask you to shower upon them the light of hope. Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the world that which we need most—Peace.” - Maya Angelou

26. A Prayer for A Friend Having Surgery

“O Lord, We surrender ourselves to you and ask for your help. While we cannot guide (patient) any further, you'll be going into surgery with them today. You're our creator, and you've breathed life into us. Please grant (patient) a successful surgery so that they may make a full recovery and continue to glorify you. Bless the hands of the surgeons, doctors, and nurses in their work today, and please help them heal (patient). Let us remember your words in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed." In your son Lord Jesus Christ's name, Amen." -Pray.com Editorial Team

27. A Prayer for a Friend in Crisis

“God of people in crisis, we pray for your divine presence as we see the aching world around us. We know that you never leave us. We stand on your promises of redemption and renewal for the earth and its inhabitants. Help our hearts beat like yours for those in crisis. May our prayers, our time, our resources be directed towards helping them. We ask these things of you, God who walks with us, sees us, and cares for us.” - Moriah Hall

28. A Prayer for Guidance

“Faithful Father, one of my close friends, has been praying for guidance for some time, and they believe they have not received an answer. You promise in Your Word that if we seek You, we will find You. A second promise says that wherever we turn, we will hear Your voice saying this is the way, walk in it. My friend needs Your guidance for some life decisions, so Lord, please help them hear Your direction. Their anxious thoughts are screaming, so I ask for You to break through their anxiety and speak words of guidance and love. Please give them peace to wait for Your voice and courage not to move until they hear it. Amen.” - Connect US

29. A Prayer for Conversation

“Lord, guide the words of my friend ________. Show her how to use her words to encourage and uplift those around her. I pray she has wisdom and self-control to speak the truth in love in all situations.” - Mamie Pack

30. A Prayer for Wisdom

“Gracious Father, we come before You today, humbly seeking Your divine wisdom. You are the source of all knowledge and understanding, and I acknowledge our need for Your guidance in every aspect of my life. Grant us wisdom, Lord, to make decisions that align with Your will. Help us to discern between right and wrong and to choose the path that honors You. Guide us in my work and career, Lord. Grant us the wisdom to make sound judgments, innovate, problem-solve, and navigate challenges gracefully and wisely. Help us to use our skills and abilities for Your glory and the benefit of others. Lord, I also seek wisdom in our personal growth and spiritual journey. Open our eyes to understand Your Word and to apply it to our lives. Teach us to walk in Your ways and to follow Your commandments. Give us discernment to recognize and reject falsehood and deception. I pray for wisdom in stewarding our time, talents, and resources. Help us to prioritize what is truly important and to use our resources wisely. Guide us in making decisions that align with Your kingdom's purposes and that bring glory to Your name. Thank You, Lord, for Your promise in James 1:5 that if any of us lacks wisdom, we can ask You, and You will give generously. We trust in Your faithfulness to answer this prayer and grant me wisdom according to Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.” - Barbara McCoy

Next: 101 Quotes To Show Your BFF How Much Their Friendship Means to You

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