A faithful friend is a sure shelter. Whoever finds one has a rare treasure.

-Ecclesiasticus 6:14 (Jerusalem Bible) 


Spiritual friendships are formed when two people commit to supporting each other in spiritual growth. The Friends meet together to pray for each other and to share their experiences, doubts, challenges, and joys as their spiritual lives unfold.

This kind of connection can occur between people of the same or different generations. Each Friend makes an intentional commitment to journey and share together as their spiritual lives unfold.

In a spiritual friendship, each person:

  • invites God or their Higher Power to work in their lives
  • makes an intentional commitment to hold the other in prayer
  • shares their experiences, doubts, spiritual practices, and prayer lives
  • offers the other person active listening and attention
  • holds the other accountable with follow-up questions and observations

Spiritual friendships are similar to Faithfulness Groups and Covenant Groups, but spiritual friendships involve only two people.

Guidelines for Spiritual Friendship

Structure of a Session

Begin your time together with a period of worship. Take some time to center down in a way that works for you both. After that, move to a period of sharing. One friend listens while the other speaks. When you are the listener, pay close attention to the feeling of the words as well as the content. When it feels right, you might reflect back what you hear, but give the person plenty of time to speak.

When you are the speaker, shares about your spiritual life. Share about spiritual goals, moments that tested your patience, memories that you are sifting through, things that you are grateful for, or prayer requests.

After a set period of time, trade roles. When you feel that you have reached the conclusion, take some time in worship to wrap up.

Between meetings, continue to work on your spiritual practices. You might arrange to do some practices together, such as attending a 12-step group or meditating at the same time each day. This dedication can deepen the relationship and connection, offering a reminder of the other person’s commitment and support.

Spiritual Friendships Over Time

Spiritual friendships can exist for a weekend, a year, or for many years. It may be helpful to stay open to what you don’t know as the friendship begins.

Some spiritual friends find that their connection is strengthened by face-to-face meetings. Other Friends correspond across a distance. However you arrange a spiritual friendship, be sure to move intentionally and to revisit your agreements to keep things rooted in the present.

Resources for Spiritual Friendship 

  • The Barn at the End of the World, by Mary Rose O’Reilly. O’Reilly’s candid and sometimes humorous memoir shares about spiritual growth, sheep muck, and her spiritual friendship running over time.
  • Holding One Another in the Light, by Marcelle Martin. This Pendle Hill Pamphlet shares about intercessory prayer as a powerful tool for supportive relationships.

This page was last edited on August 13, 2026.

✕
Translate »