A Prayer for Friendship and Divine Protection
"The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father." - 1 Samuel 20:13

O Lord, our God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, we come before You today, moved by the profound bond of friendship illustrated in the words of 1 Samuel 20:13. We thank You, Heavenly Father, for the examples set forth in Scripture, where true loyalty, love, and devotion shine through, even in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to David amid tumultuous times, we acknowledge the depth of true friendship that transcends fear and self-preservation. We lift up this prayer, calling upon Your mighty name, asking for Your blessing upon our relationships as we seek to embody the spirit of Jonathan—selflessly caring for those we love, even in the face of danger.
Dear Lord, as Jonathan pledged, "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan" (1 Samuel 20:13 KJV), we too ask that You would extend Your grace and blessings upon our lives and the lives of those we hold dear. May we be guided by Your wisdom as we navigate the trials of life, standing steadfast alongside our friends and examining our hearts to ensure we always act in love, compassion, and fidelity. Let our friendships reflect Your character—a tapestry woven with kindness, understanding, and patience.
Father God, we understand that life often brings conflict and challenges, like the ones Jonathan faced regarding his father, King Saul. In those moments of fear and uncertainty, may we lean upon Your strength. As David fled from Saul, may we find solace in the knowledge that You are ever-present, guiding us through the storms. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and courage in dealing with conflict in our own lives. Grant us the grace to communicate openly, to reveal our concerns—much like Jonathan did with David—and to make decisions that honor You.
If it should come to pass that we must protect one another from harm, help us to be brave enough to speak the truth and to take action that promotes peace. In our vulnerable moments, when we face opposition or negativity from those around us, may we stand firm in our convictions and exhibit the steadfastness of Your loyal followers. Remembering Jonathan, who did not turn away from his friend in danger, may we be defenders of each other’s dignity, hearts, and lives.
Lord, as Jonathan promised David, "but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father" (1 Samuel 20:13 KJV), we ask that we might also be instruments of Your peace. In our friendships, let us not only seek to uplift one another but also foster an environment where we can share burdens, burdens that sometimes cause us to falter. May our counsel be wise, our words be gentle, and our actions be loving.
In moments of struggle or disharmony, help us utter these words with the sincerity that Jonathan showed—may we lead one another toward peace and reconciliation. As we part from those who may cause harm or strife, remind us to carry the blessing of Your presence with us, for You are the God who walks alongside us in every season of life.
Finally, may we never forget the assurance that "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father." May our hearts be a refuge for our friends, just as David found safety in Jonathan’s faithfulness. We ask for Your presence to fill our lives, emboldening us to stand strong in friendship and uphold the values that draw us closer to You and one another.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray this, trusting in Your divine plan for our relationships. Amen.
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1 Samuel 20:13 Artwork
1 Samuel 20:13 - "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father."
"The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father." - 1 Samuel 20:13
1 Samuel 13:20 - "But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock."
2 Samuel 20:13 - "When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri."
1 Samuel 20:27-29
1 Samuel 20:20 - "And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark."
1 Samuel 16:1–13
1 Samuel 28:15-20
Acts 13:20 - "And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet."
1 Samuel 20:27-30
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 12:13
1 Samuel 22:11-13
1 Samuel 15:13 - "And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD."
1 Samuel 13:8 - "¶ And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him."
1 Samuel 18:20 - "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him."
1 Samuel 13:23 - "And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash."
1 Samuel 20:39 - "But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter."
1 Samuel 13:1 - "Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,"
1 Samuel 13:13 - "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever."
1 Samuel 13:12 Saul's disobedience
1 Samuel 7:13 - "¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."
1 Samuel 1:20 - "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."
1 Samuel 8:13 - "And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers."
1 Samuel 13:12 No face of persons
1 Samuel 20:28 - "And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:"
"But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock." - 1 Samuel 13:20
"When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri." - 2 Samuel 20:13