A Prayer for When a Friendship Falls Apart
By Chelsey DeMatteis
Bible Reading: "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:15
Listen or Read Below:
For me, last year was a year marked by losses. The loss of friendship and loved ones. It's been gut-wrenching. It leaves you questioning why certain things happen and the hardest question of all, "could I have done more?" I've been able to look back over it and see how God's hand has been over even the most painful of times.
I lost my very best friend at the beginning of the year; she was like the sister I never had. We shared everything together, the highest of highs and lowest of lows. As things began shifting in our friendship, it was as if God was trying to ease the pain of when the friendship would be no more.
On a beautiful, oddly warm, February afternoon, the phone call happened. It was the last time we'd speak. The tension was felt even from miles away; hearts hurt, and a friendship was ending. Some may be reading this wondering, why we didn't seek to repair the friendship as it fell apart. This is one of those moments that I've had to just be "okay" with as part of the outcome God already knew was coming.
As I've journeyed through this loss I've wondered many times, what would Jesus do? And I don't mean that in a "throwing around the famous 90's era Jesus quote." I truly mean it. What do we do when a relationship with a dear friend falls apart? I know we're to seek reconciliation, but I know there are also seasons in which a relationship pauses or ends.
The scripture I've clung to as I've navigated this season is John 15:15, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." Jesus is not only my Savior, but He is also my very best friend. I know there were times I'd turn to seek confirmation from my friendship rather than seeking confirmation from my Savior.
Jesus, in His loving kindness, has always been there as a friend to me and I've now seen Him this way more than ever before. Rather than picking up the phone to vent about a situation, I sit with Him in it first. Rather than wanting to get a second opinion from a person, I want to get the only opinion that matters, which is Jesus'.
The pain in my heart has certainly been worth what I've gained with Jesus. He took what was difficult and has made it into an area of my life that drew me in more deeply with Him. He showed me that while He sees me in my grief, because of His life - He gives me a greater joy.
My prayer for you is this, if you've walked through losing a friendship, I see you. I know it is painful and, at times question, provoking. But, let Jesus in that space. Allow Him to be the friend He has always wanted to be for you! Trust Him to heal your heart and seek Him first, always.
Let’s Pray:
Jesus, thank you for being my greatest friend. Something shifts once we view you as a friend, and I am so grateful that you are mine. Help me lean on you in times when I'd be seeking a friends approval or opinion. Lead me to a deeper walk and faithful friendship with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ Blasius Erlinger
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!