Jesus,

Thank you for my friends.

Thank you for casual friends, folks who make few demands but whose presence in my life brings a sense of belonging and community.

Thank you for old friends, people who shared life with me years ago, and who I still think about even though time and distance have parted us.

Thank you for new friends, those who breathe fresh air and new perspective into life.

Thank you for true friends, those whom I can simply trust with my real self, knowing that they will love me just as I am.

God, I confess that even with friends all around me, I feel alone. I am convicted that my loneliness is only assuaged when I choose to work more diligently at friendship. Help me to be a better friend, God. And remind me that in you, I have the model for perfect friendship. You have laid down your life for me. Amen