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Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of ... to h
5 DAYS OF SIMPLE PRAYER

A P O C K E T FRIENDS

FOR

SA M P L E R ne w york times bestselling author

M AX L UCADO with

B E T S Y S T. A M A N T

DAY 1 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

Heavenly Father, your abundance of mercy is overwhelming. You never fail to hand out extra measures of grace when I’m feeling empty. I praise you for your provision and for allowing me to approach you with confidence as your child. I long to be bold in your presence. When I feel uncertain, remind me that your arms are open wide for me. Prompt me to step into your embrace, especially during difficult times. Help my friends discover that same confidence. Prompt them to pray eagerly and to ask for your help and grace. Assure them that they don’t need to fear, because you love them with the love of a father. Help them understand how much you care for them. Thank you for your Son, Jesus, who, because of his sacrifice on the cross, enables me to come to you. Thank you for making a way for the world to experience your grace and mercy. In the name above all other names, amen.

DAY 2 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 NKJV

Dear Jesus, I praise you for always being there for me. When my heart is troubled and my anxieties seem too great to bear, your presence comforts me. In you alone there is fullness of joy. Help me be the kind of friend my hurting friend needs. Give me insight: how to comfort, what to say, when to be silent, when to be present, how best to encourage and help. I need your help so that I can be your hands and feet to my friends when they struggle. Equip my friends to find joy even in struggles. In the midst of their hardships, help them discover your comfort, which reaches the deep places of hurt as nothing else can. Remind them that you are bigger than their anxieties, and give them peace and wellness of soul no matter what they’re facing. I’m so grateful that I not only have not only your presence with me but also the company of my friends who share my joy and sadness. Thank you for friends who bring ice cream, friends who offer listening ears, friends who give godly advice, and friends who simply cry beside me when life is hard. Thank you for providing comfort through these friends. In your great name I pray, amen.

DAY 3 We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

Father God, I praise you for your good plan for my life. I know you are never confused or caught off guard by what happens next for me. Thank you for including beautiful friendships in your plan for my life, for the richness these relationships bring. Bless my friends, Father. Give my friends the confidence to trust your plan for their lives too. Help them know without a doubt that you are always working behind the scenes on their behalf. Give them peace of mind throughout the day as they deal with struggles. Remind them how good you are and how much you love them. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for having a plan for my life. Thank you for giving me friends who walk with me through uncertain days and remind me of your loving provision for me. In Christ’s name, amen.

DAY 4 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NKJV

Abba Father, sometimes life can be so hard. It’s easy to get caught up in all that is going wrong. But in the midst of our confusion and heartache, you are still good. I praise you for your constancy. On the bad days help me to keep an eternal perspective and to remember that everything about this earth is temporary. Remind me that you are always working behind the scenes and that what is happening today will one day be explained and revealed. Comfort my friends with that truth about the future. Help them see that when they face overwhelmingly large obstacles, this, too, shall pass. It won’t always be this hard. Remind them that one day all will be made right, and everything they suffered on earth will be worth it when they see your face. Thank you for friends who comfort me when nothing seems to be going right. You’ve put people in place to hold me up above the waves when I get tired. Thank you for the hope of heaven. In the name of Jesus, amen.

DAY 5 Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth 1:16 NKJV

Dear heavenly Father, I praise you for the wonderful examples of friendship and loyalty in your Word. Ruth demonstrating her love for her mother-inlaw is a beautiful example of dedication for a world that seems to have forgotten the definition. Remind me of the beauty of loyalty when I get upset with my friends. Help me see the full landscape of our relationship instead of focusing on the immediate details that are unattractive. Help me be a dedicated friend regardless of circumstances. Give my friends the desire to be loyal as well. Help them to commit to their relationships and to be willing to demonstrate that friendship and love. Thank you for friends who walk beside me and remind me of your unfailing love. I see your reflection in their compassion and joy. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.