Friends your love gave

Several small birds of different kinds perched together wing-to-wing on one branch, all facing the same direction toward the light, showing many friends held in one love.

Lord, you’ve told us to love one another. We’ve received your kindness without deserving it, so help us to love everyone in you and for your sake. We ask your mercy for all people, but especially for the friends your love has given us. Love them, Lord, you who are the spring of all love. Make them love you with all their heart, so that they want, and say, and do only what pleases you. Amen.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 (BSB)

Adapted from a prayer attributed to St Anselm, via Prayers Ancient and Modern (1897), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.