As I think back to even my youngest years, I can pinpoint the friendships that have impacted my life. I’ve been blessed with solid, faithful friends who have prayed for me and loved me even when I’ve been somewhat unloveable. And then there have been other friendships that have been more difficult and left me with bumps and bruises along the way.    Our friendships are important because God created us with a deep need for connection. It’s in those very connections where we are so often drawn closer to Him and better equipped to walk the hard places we will inevitably face.    So this week we’re praying over friendships in our own lives as well as the lives of our kids.    (insert player)   It seems appropriate in talking about friendships that I have one of my very dearest friends, Brandie Rodgers, joining us today. As long as I’ve known her (and it’s been many, many years), she’s been praying over her family’s friendships, and the Lord has faithfully provided.    Let’s take a moment today to consider the friendships our kids need and ask the Lord to provide them. And, of course, let’s also ask the Lord to teach our kids how to be good friends to others by showing kindness, loyalty, compassion, and respect.    Friendship is a big one—let’s pray it together!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org