1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself…And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.  Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”

John 15:13-15a
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.  Instead, I have called you friends…”

Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Gentle Lord, you mystify us with your majesty and intimacy.

In love you clothe us in your royal robes and unclasp the weapons at your side.  Stronger than a brother’s bond, you pledge to keep us one in Spirit.

Do not abandon the servants you now call friends.  Keep us, your holy companions, from forsaking the One who will never withdraw his great love.

This we ask in the name of Christ, faithful in friendship to abide by the covenant, leaving his Father’s side to lay down his life for us.

Listen to ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus‘ by Blake Paul Band