In my travels and studies, I have collected many proverbs of the world. They make me think, laugh, and pray. To wit:

Lord, you have given me the gift of friends, both near and far. Today, bring them to my mind, to my ears, and to my path. Make me into a good listener for them. Create a holy bond between us, full of mutual love and honesty. Help us to be vulnerable with each other, and bring deep joy, that we may chuckle at ourselves and laugh at the world. Lord, help me to see you in my friends today. And bring some new friends to the party. Amen.

To read about what the Apostle Paul thought about his friends, read my post on The Gift of Friends.