²² Then the Lord said to Moses, ²³ “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

²⁴ ‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

²⁷ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

Number 6:22-27

Dear God, I’m about to see an old friend. I want to be what you need me to be for her. She’s a good woman who is facing some challenges. I want to be kind. I want to be insightful. I want her to leave here feeling a sense of your presence. Your smile. Your graciousness. Your favor. Your peace.

But we can’t just get that. It is a two-way street. We have to be in a position to receive it. My wife and I were talking last night, and I told her that she is remarkable because she puts herself in a position to allow your fruit to grow in her. She exudes it for others. She is a “good hang” for friends because she emits your presence. Your fruit. I want to be that too. I want to emit your presence and your fruit. I want to share your love and mercy. I also want to share your call to walk through the narrow gate. I talked about that a day or two ago–how I define the narrow gate. They path through the narrow gate ended up looking a lot like the 12 Steps for AA. That’s the path I need to walk, and that is the path I want to be part of helping others not only find but be willing to walk to.

So in thinking about my friend right now, I pray that you would love and keep her. That your face would shine upon her. That you would bless and keep her. That she would feel your smile. That she would find your favor and peace. I pray the same for those I love, those who frustrate me, and those whom I think are acting against you. Bring us all into right relationship with you and guide us into the narrow path.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen