“Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:15b

Dear Jesus, King of the Universe, thank you for making us your friends. As incredible as that is to imagine, it is so…by your grace and mercy – and our hearts ring with praise because of it.
 
As the new school year begins, we approach you with a prayer for healthy friendships and positive peer influences for our students. Lead them to find affinity and acceptance, beyond any differences amongst themselves. By your Spirit help them to practice the ways of a good friend, taking on your compassion, empathy, kindness, joy, and authenticity. We pray against the pressures that lead to selfish and siloed ways which separate. Protect their hearts from the hurts that come through rough peer interactions and give them a way out from the temptation to go along with unloving ways.
 
Jesus, we know that the greatest friend our students can have is you. Hear our prayer for our students to encounter the blessing of your friendship more than anything else. Open their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit so that they may live secure and confident in your love and friendship as they travel through this school year and beyond.
 
We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and friend. Amen.

Karyn Humphries, Director
Oak Project