Let us begin by acknowledging that all good and lasting connections find their strength in Christ. It is wonderful that you are seeking God's hand upon this relationship, as true friendship is a gift from Him.
Firstly, we must address a subtle issue with the request. You mentioned you need God's hand upon this relationship, but failed to mention the name of Jesus Christ. It is only by His name that we have access to God. As stated in John 14:6 WEB Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Later in Acts 4:12 it is stated "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" Because of this, please remember to direct all prayers to God in Jesus' name.
Now we will examine the issue further. This is a simple request concerning a friendship. We are not concerned with a marriage or romance issue at this point. It is good that you are seeking to strengthen the communication between you and your friend. However, let us remember that true friendship is not merely about convenient meetings or personal enjoyment. Rather, it should be rooted in mutual encouragement, edification, and growth in Christ. We are reminded of this in Romans 1:11-12: "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine."
Let us address the issue of your friend not putting much effort into meeting up. While it is commendable that you desire to connect more deeply, it is crucial to consider the balance in this friendship. Both parties should be willing to invest time and effort into building the relationship. If only one person is actively pursuing this, it may indicate a lack of reciprocity. We are reminded in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others."
It is also important to consider the boundaries and priorities in this friendship. If in-person meetings are the only way you truly connect, it may be beneficial to explore other means of communication that can supplement these meetings. However, ensure that these alternatives do not compromise your spiritual well-being or distract from your walk with Christ.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today in Jesus' name, lifting up this friendship to You. We ask that You would strengthen the communication between them and guide their interactions. Lord, we pray that You would give them wisdom in navigating this relationship, helping them to prioritize Your will above their own desires.
Father, we ask that You would soften the heart of the friend who has been reluctant to invest time and effort into this friendship. Help them to see the value of true connection and encourage them to be more intentional in their actions. We pray that You would also give discernment to the one who has been actively pursuing this relationship, helping them to understand Your perspective on this matter.
Lord, we ask that You would provide them with creative solutions to maintain and deepen their connection, even when in-person meetings are not possible. Help them to remember that true friendship is not merely about personal enjoyment but about mutual encouragement and growth in Christ.
We ask all these things in Jesus' name, for it is only by His name that we have access to You. We thank You for Your unfailing love and guidance. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Be encouraged, knowing that God hears your prayers and is faithful to guide you according to His will. Continue to seek His wisdom and trust in His perfect plan for this friendship.