Tips on Friendship
Safe Place
By committing to confidentiality, we give ourselves the freedom to reveal the most painful and urgent needs in our lives, from rebellious teens to difficult marriages. When we know we can trust our Prayer Sisters™, we pray for needs in our lives that might otherwise remain hidden, protected in secrecy in a different setting, unsure of the response our honesty might provoke. Trust in one another provides us freedom to confess our sins, our weaknesses, our honest thoughts, without the fear of rejection. In this safe place, we receive the support we need.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers [sisters!], be compassionate and humble. - I Peter 3:8
No Negative Talk
Make a commitment not to gossip under the guise of prayer. Don't talk negatively about another Prayer Sister's situation, i.e. husband, in-laws, etc., at prayer as well as outside the group. Prayer Sisters™ support each other with hope, not criticism.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. -Ephesians 4:29
Ask Questions
Probe gently. Find out how everyone is doing. Our prayers are more effective when we know what is going on in each other's lives. Besides, there is great comfort in knowing your Prayer Sisters™ are familiar with your greatest concerns and that they are praying for you and your loved ones.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Worth the Risk
We at Prayer Sisters™ understand the hesitancy to enter into new or deeper relationships. Past hurts and embarrassments haunt us, serving as a barrier around our hearts. Our prayer is that God will heal wounded hearts and help women enter once again into friendship the way God intended it to be. There is no need to be alone.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother [sister] is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17
Learn, Don't Compare
As women, we often compare ourselves to others and cringe when our own abilities don't match up. As Prayer Sisters™, we encourage women to learn from those who are wiser, stronger, better than ourselves. Let those we admire serve as role models. Look up to them and learn, recognizing that each one of us has the potential to improve!
Be devoted to one another in brotherly [sisterly] love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6
Encourage One Another
We advise women to be honest about negative situations in our lives, but we caution against wallowing in pity and discouragement. Prayer Sisters™ can be valuable encouragers for one another. Help each other find the good in a situation and fill each other with hope.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. - Hebrews 3:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Be Booster Buddies
Acknowledge the good things you see in each other. Use words of praise and sincere compliments. During the course of an ordinary day in our self-centered society, these words of affirmation may be the only ones your friends will hear. Be generous in openly recognizing one another's good qualities and watch our best selves emerge! When we feel good about ourselves, we are better able to intercede for and minister to others.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. - Proverbs 16:24
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. - Philippians 4:8
Help One Another Grow
Push one another towards spiritual growth. Be sincere and transparent with each other, helping one another honestly acknowledge and deal with her own struggles.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man [woman] sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. - 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12