# Prayer for Friendship
*2009-02-10*

> Bill Young returns to the podcast with a heartfelt prayer for friendship, dedicating it especially to his friend John and his wife Rose Ann.

## Welcome Back

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. It’s episode 276 of Prayer and Lunch. I’ve been away for a while because of some medical issues, and I was even wondering if anyone would notice if I stopped publishing. Thankfully Margaret left a comment, reminding me that at least one listener is paying attention. Thank you, Margaret; I’ll include a link to your site in today’s show notes.

## Why a Prayer for Friendship?

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought it fitting to focus on the gift of friendship. We have friends at work, in our families, among neighbors, and in many other places. This prayer, which I found online, captures the beauty of those relationships.

## A Special Dedication

I want to dedicate today’s prayer to my friend John and his wife Rose Ann. John is currently homebound, and I’m praying that this week brings him comfort and healing. John, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

## The Prayer

You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank you for such a blessing—for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebrations, who bear our pain, who weep with us, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, and love. Amen.

—Written by Vienna Cobb Anderson

*Friendship is a divine gift that sustains us in every season of life.*