Friendship
Bob Kyser of Independence, MO, USA
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13
I am very thankful for my friends. These special relationships witness of God’s love in my life shared through the lives of others. This Divine Love is not measured by how often we communicate or what we do when we are together. It is a constant source of blessing.
Each friend brings a unique presence in our relationship. The adventure of fishing for fish, inviting people to Christ, guiding the spiritual formation of children, sharing Communion with those unable to attend church, and more all provide expressions of this friendship. As I think about these people and our journey together over the years, some common foundations can also be identified. We pray together, seeking God’s presence and blessing for each other and for others. We trust each other in sharing the joys, hopes, and struggles of our lives. We serve together as we focus on the needs of others. We are faithful friends of Jesus as we seek, trust, and serve together.
After several weeks of being apart, I recently shared a meal with a friend. In a moment of prayer before eating our meal, he gave thanks for a friendship that “brings us back together.” I was touched by those four words. They are at that heart of a relationship blessed by God’s love. Once one has invited God to be a part of a friendship, you will always come back together. Everyone needs such a friend.
I give thanks for friends who are giving their lives to make mine fuller. I give thanks for the invitation to give of myself as a blessing to others. I give thanks for the Holy Spirit guiding me back to God when I have allowed circumstances to draw me away.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Spend a few moments paying attention, wherever you are. Notice your surroundings. What draws your focus? Look more closely at detail and color. Notice what pulls or prods within you. How is the God-in-all-things speaking to you through what you see and feel right here, right now?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
