December 27 (close friendships)
Lord Jesus, Saint John became one of Your closest
friends. He was the only one who stayed with You until the end. On the cross,
You placed Your Mother into his care. After You rose, he ran ahead of the
other Apostles to see the empty tomb and he was the first to recognize You at
the lakeside. I ask him to pray for my dearest friendships. O Lord, enable us
to stick by each other in every trial. Show us how to care for each other.
Stay at the center of our relationship. When we sin, help us to return to You
through our friends. Remind us to pray together even when we play together.
Saint John the Beloved, pray for us. Amen.