How do you pray for someones long life?

Praying for our friends is one of the most important things we can do. It’s easy to get caught up in our own needs, but it is just as important to pray and intercede for others. It doesn’t matter if our friends are near or far, in our lives or not, they still need our prayers. Yet, how can we pray for our friends? How do we know what to pray for?

In my experience, I ask my friends what they need prayer for and try to glean as many details as possible. This way, I can pray as specifically for them as possible. When it comes to friends who aren’t currently in my life, I pray over what I knew they were struggling with the last time we talked and for the Lord to guide them. In doing this, I feel closer to the Lord and my friends as I pray. Here are some of my favorite prayers to use when a friend's need comes to mind. 

Download your own personal copy of these beautiful prayers HERE. Print the PDF version and keep it with you throughout the day to remind yourself to pray for your precious friends.

Prayer for a Friend's Healing

Heavenly Father,

It is so hard to watch _________ suffer. It doesn’t seem fair for her to have to endure so much pain. Even though I am powerless, I believe that you are powerful and capable of stepping into this situation and completely altering the outcome. In faith, I am responding to the promises in your word that you listen to our prayers and those prayers can make her well. So, I am bringing my friend before you to ask for your healing touch in her life. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal healing, but I am asking you to provide healing for her on this side of heaven. Amen. ~ Lisa Samra

An Encouraging Prayer for a Friend

Dear Lord,
I pray for my friend right now. I pray that you will help them with the struggles they are going through in this season. For you know exactly what they need in this moment. Draw near to them and let them feel your presence. Open their eyes, ears, and hearts to you. Help them have the discernment to hear your voice as you lead them in their next steps. Speak to them as they read your word and bring verses of encouragement and comfort to their attention. I pray that you will calm any fear or anxiety they may be feeling. Replace it with the confidence to obey your word and to trust you. I pray that your guidance will be clear to them from this day forward. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for When You're Watching a Friend Suffer

Heavenly Father,

It is so hard to watch _________ suffer. It doesn’t seem fair for her to have to endure so much pain. Even though I am powerless, I believe that you are powerful and capable of stepping into this situation and completely altering the outcome. In faith, I am responding to the promises in your word that you listen to our prayers and those prayers can make her well. So, I am bringing my friend before you to ask for your healing touch in her life. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal healing, but I am asking you to provide healing for her on this side of heaven. Amen. - Lisa Samra

A Healing Prayer for a Sick Friend

Lord Jesus, thank you that you love [name of person who needs healing]. I know that you hate what their illness is doing to them/me. I ask, in the name of Jesus, that you would heal this disease, that you would have compassion and bring healing from all sickness.

Your word says in Psalm 107:19-20 that when we call out to you the Eternal one you will give the order, heal and rescue us from certain death. In the Bible, I have read of miraculous healing and I believe that you still heal the same way today. I believe that there is no illness you cannot heal after all the bible tells of you raising people from the dead so I ask for your healing in this situation.

I also know from my experience of life on earth that not everyone is healed if that happens here than keep my heart soft towards you, help me to understand your plan and help me to be excited about heaven.

Lord Jesus, thank you that our hope for healing is in you. If there are doctors or treatments that you would want to use to heal this disease I pray that you would guide [name of person who needs healing] to them. I ask for wisdom and discernment about which treatments to pursue. 

God, I thank you that [name of person who needs healing] belongs to you and that you are in control of everything that happens from our first breath to our last sigh. Amen. ~ Wendy Van Eyck

A Prayer for Your Friend's Loss of a Loved One

Father God, I lift up my friend who is mourning a loved one. I ask that You would bring her comfort in the midst of this life-shaking event. Thank you for Your promise to walk with and even carry her as she travels through the darkness of grief. Let her not be overcome with sadness, as those who have no hope, but to be strengthened by an awareness of Your presence. Protect her heart and mind. I pray a sense of calm would take hold, even while emotions around her run high, and that the peace you give her would overflow onto those nearby.

Father, You know just what will minister the most to my friend spiritually and emotionally right now. Gently lead her to find the right balance of being alone and being with others. Speak to her through Scripture. Show her Your love through the words and actions of someone else. Help her find moments of solace in the natural world You've created. Thank You for being the God of all comfort, the One who holds us in Your hand. It says in Your Word that one day there will be no more death. But for now, I praise You for holding my friend close and giving her rest.

In Jesus' Name, Amen. ~ Heather Adams

Prayer for A Friend Who is Hurting

Dear God, Our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.

We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.

We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure. All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now.  ~ Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for God's Presence 

Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.

You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.

Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for A Friend's Salvation

Sovereign Lord, We thank You that at the beginning You spoke into the darkness and created heaven and earth.  If all creation responds to Your voice, if the winds move and the mountains shake at Your command, how can we doubt that You are the Creator, the ruler of all?

Thank you for the life of my friend. Please open his eyes, Lord, that he may see Your presence, just like You opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant and he saw the hills covered by horses and chariots of heavenly fire. 

Help my friend to see what l see when l look upon Your face, precious Lord, for You are worthy to be honored. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Madaline Twooney

A Prayer for Peace of Mind

Almighty God, We bless you for our lives, we give you praise for your abundant mercy and grace we receive. We thank you for your faithfulness even though we are not that faithful to you. 

Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit. We want you to heal and remove everything that is causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives.

Please guide our path through life and make our enemies be at peace with us. Let your peace reign in our family, at our place of work, businesses and everything we lay our hands on. Let your angels of peace go ahead of us when we go out and stay by our side when we return. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ praywithme.com

Prayer for a Friend Struggling With Faith

Merciful Lord and Savior, We thank You that You never loosen Your hold on us, no matter what we are going through, for You are always faithful, even when we are not.

As You know Lord, my friend has decided that she doesn’t want to walk with You anymore. I pray that this change of heart is temporary and that like the prodigal son, she will make her way back home to You, where You will welcome her back with open arms.

We thank You that with You we will always find grace. And, that we will always belong to You, and You to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Madaline Twooney

A Prayer for Broken Friendship

Lord, today I come to you hurting. This wound from a friend is almost more than I can bear. I feel broken hearted, and I want justice. Lord, I know that justice is not mine to give, so I come to you open handed. Here is the friendship that has wounded me so much, Lord- take this hurt from me, help me feel your peace and your love toward me now.

I don’t want to extend grace. But I know you have been so gracious toward me- all my life you have lavished grace on me as I’ve sinned against you. Help me be humble. Help me see my part to play. Help me give grace and love toward my friend.

Soften my friend’s heart toward me now- let them return grace to me too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~  Anne Dahlhauser

Prayer for a Friend's Wedding & Marriage

Father in Heaven, thank You for this husband, ______, and wife, _______, and their commitment to Christian marriage. As we look ahead, we pray that their future will never lack the convictions that make a marriage strong.

Bless this husband, ______. Bless him as provider and protector. Sustain him in all the pressures that come with the task of stewarding a family. May his strength be his wife’s boast and pride, and may he so live that his wife may find in him the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Bless this wife, ______. Give her a tenderness that makes her great, a deep sense of understanding, and a strong faith in You. Give her that inner beauty of a soul that never fades, that eternal youth that is found in holding fast to the things that never age. May she so live that her husband may be pleased to reverence her in the shrine of his heart.

Teach them that marriage is not living for each other. It is two people uniting and joining hands to serve You. Give them a great spiritual purpose in life. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will sustain them through all of life’s challenges.

May they minimize each other’s weaknesses and be swift to praise and magnify each other’s strengths so that they might view each other through a lover’s kind and patient eyes. Help them every day to be kind and gentle, more like You. Give them a little something to forgive each day, that their love might learn to be long-suffering.

Bless them and develop their characters as they walk together with You. Give them enough hurts to keep them humane, enough failures to keep their hands clenched tightly in Yours, and enough of success to make them sure they walk with You throughout all of their life.

May they never take each other’s love for granted but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims, "Out of all this world, you have chosen me." Then, when life is done and the sun is setting, may they be found then as now, still hand in hand, still very proud, still thanking You for each other.

May they travel together as friends and lovers, brother and sister, husband and wife, father and mother, and as servants of Christ until He shall return or until that day when one shall lay the other into the arms of God. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Great Lover of our souls. Amen. ~ Adapted from Dr. Louis H. Evans’ Marriage Prayer for Bride and Groom.

A Prayer for a Friend's Job

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will lead and guide her on her search for a new job. You know what she needs in hours, salary and benefits. I pray for your provision in the perfect position for her in your perfect timing. Help her to be patient and not let the enemy discourage her. Also help me to be as encouraging and supportive as I can possibly be as her friend, in both the ups and downs. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Moving

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will help him as he gets settled in his new city. Help him settle into his new job and his new home. Help him learn where things are located. I pray for your provision in a church family for him and new friends. Ease any nervousness or anxiety and replace these feelings with your peace and comfort. Guide him in his journey from this day forward. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer to Value Friendship Over Disagreement

 Lord, Satan is trying with all his might to divide your house and your people. We pray Lord with all our might that we would not let that happen. That we would remember that a house divided cannot stand. Help us to be the peacemaker in our relationships, friendships, and families, without bending or compromising on the Truth. And Lord, if it must be that there are those who choose to no longer be our friends or in relationship with us, guard us against a bitter heart and remind us to pray for a softening of their heart. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. ~ Janet Thompson

Prayer for Trust

Heavenly Father, my instinct is to rush in and make plans, especially if someone I care about has made mistakes. Remind me of that chalk line around my feet, Lord. Show me when I start to step outside of my assignment. Give me the courage to trust You and allow You to work in this person’s heart and life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer to See God Working

Lord, I pray that You will open __________ eyes to see You and follow You. Even though I might not see You working, I know You are. I believe, and I will not give up hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer of Blessing Over Those You Love

Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today. We ask that your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. ~ Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer for Strength and Wisdom

Thank you, Lord, for being there for my friend and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need on their behalf.

It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say.

God, there are things happening around my friend right now that I do not understand. Some of these things make her feel weak, helpless and afraid. Even in the midst of this, help her know that you are the Lord. I know that the situation is in Your hand, and I trust You.

I beseech you for strength and for wisdom that she would be able to endure this situation and be able to handle it in a way that would bring glory to Your name.vIn Jesus name. Amen.

Praying for a Struggling Friend

Lord, I come before you today knowing that all power is in Your hand. I know that you are the Lord and that you care for your people. Right now, my friend is struggling with a difficult trial. I can see her strength is faltering, Lord, and know that you have all of the strength that she needs.

I pray that you will reach down and touch her right now wherever she is at this moment. Let your presence fill the room where she is and let her feel an extra portion of your strength that can help her to get through this day. She needs you now, Lord, and I thank you in advance for meeting her where she is and shoring up her strength during this difficult time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Reconciliation Prayer Between Friends

Lord God, You see what has happened in this friendship. Your Word teaches me that a true friend loves at all times. Oh, Father God, my heart is heavy. I ask You to search my heart and show me anything I have done that has hurt my friend’s feelings. I confess to you that at times, I have been selfish and have spoken thoughtless words. Lord, show me also where I have been guilty of taking offense. Forgive me, Lord. I praise You that You continually offer grace. I pray now Holy Spirit that You would bring healing and reconciliation to this friendship. I pray blessing over my friend, Lord. I pray that her marriage would be blessed, that her children would thrive and that her finances would prosper. I pray favor over every aspect of her life. I pray most of all that she would be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. That she would know the hope to which she has been called and that she would know the power of the resurrection in every area of life. ~ Becky Harling

What the Bible Says about Friendship

Many verses in the Bible talk about friendship including God’s friendship with us, how to choose our friends, and how we should interact with each other.

1. “When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.” Job 29:4 (NLT)

2. “I love them, but they try to bring accusations against me, even as I am praying for them!” Psalm 109:4 (NLT)

3. But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. Luke 11:8 (NLT)

4. “When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as before!” Job 42:10 (NLT)

5. “The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray.” Proverbs 12:26 (NLT)

6. “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

7. “Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9 (NLT)

8. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)

9. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

10. “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:11 (NLT)

With each new season, we should ask our friends what they need prayer for. Although we are always praying and petitioning the Lord on behalf of our friends, needs change all the time. I personally update my prayers for my friends at the beginning of each season, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. During the in-between times, I just add needs and requests to my prayer board.

I often pray for my friends throughout the day. Sometimes this can be easier than all at once when I have lots of prayer requests. I pray while getting ready, while working at my desk, and while making dinner. This helps me feel connected to the Lord and my friends all throughout the day. I usually end my day by once again praying for all my friends at the same time.

Praying and interceding for our friends is one of the most loving things we can do. We are called to love and support each other. Friends in the Lord are friends forever.

Carrie Lowrance is an author and writer. Her work has been published on Huffington Post, Bon Bon Break, The Penny Hoarder, etc. She is also the author of two children’s books, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine). She writes her own childcare and author blog at www.carrielowrance.com.

Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/Jacoblund

This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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How to Pray for Your Daily Bread
Prayers for Anxiousness

Related: Listen to our podcast, Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson. You can find all the episodes at LifeAudio.com. Here's Episode 1:

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