Father God,

Raising children can be a lonely job,

and I often find myself at the end of a long day

wishing I had more friends to lean on.

You created us to need each other, Lord,

yet here in America, we have worshiped 

individualism, ignoring our ingrained longing 

for connection. 

Forgive us, Father, 

for our foolish self-reliance. 

Help us find our way back to 

each other. 

Friends keep us grounded, 

make our marriages stronger, 

and give our kids support 

beyond what we alone can offer them. 

I know I am a better parent

when I have others to journey with. 

Even still, I confess to spending more time

cultivating my child’s friendships 

than my own, neglecting the very

people you have put in my life. 

So Lord, in your wisdom and strength, 

would you help me deepen

the relationships I already have, 

reconnect with old friends,

and recognize opportunities

to make new ones? 

Help me be vulnerable in reaching out,

consistent in following through, 

and dependable for others to lean on.    

May I recognize the season I am in,

with healthy expectations for myself and others:

supporting my friends in love,

and asking for help when I need it. 

Forgive us, Father, 

for our foolish self-reliance. 

Help us find our way back to 

each other. 

May our dependence be a sign,

not of weakness, but of strength,

as all of us are better together 

than alone. 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift

of friendship. 

Amen.