4 ways to bless your friend this Valentine's Day

"Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that produces the fragrant incense of the presence of God." Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)

I am a daughter of the mountains. However, being born and raised and still residing in Texas, I don't have the luxury of stepping out and being greeted by their majestic beauty. Fortunately, when the mountains call, we do our best to pack the whole family (including the dog) and make the 15 hour hike to answer the call. Even if it's only about once a year, it's absolutely wonderful.

My closest friends know my deep love for the mountains. They know this is my happy place. That's why last Valentine's Day was so special. We made a pack to go on a girls' trip to the mountains. But those plans quickly changed after the unexpected loss of my sweet mom in the spring.

In the midst of my grief, a sweet friend of mine gave me a gift that touched my heart and blessed me beyond words. Before giving it to me, she said to me: “I know how much you love the mountains. But…I also know how much you love coffee, so take this and go meet God on your swing, for now, until we go on a girls' trip. It was a cup of coffee wrapped in a beautiful mountain landscape. My sweet friend's thoughtful gift has given me peace and comfort for countless mornings.

As Valentine's Day approaches and we look for ways to make everyone feel special and loved, let's keep in mind those sweet friendships in our lives that are a such a blessing for us. This friend who is always watching you. That friend who can always conjure up a smile (or laugh) no matter the situation. That friend who forces you out of your comfort zone to grow you and hold you accountable. That friend who makes you a better wife, mother, sister, and all the other roles you carry.

They are the sweet friends who awaken our hearts with joy, and spending time with them is a gift in itself. Let's bless them this Valentine's Day with simple acts of kindness. Need ideas? Here are four easy ways to do this:

pray for her

Is there anything sweeter than a gift from a praying friend? One of the most powerful ways to bless our friends is to pray for them. Whether they are facing a difficult time, entering a new season, or having to make big decisions, our prayers are priceless! Prayer connects us deeply as we show our vulnerability and bring our hearts fervently to the Father.

Here are four ways to pray and uplift your precious friends:

pray for peace

"Don't worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and request, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Father, please grant peace to my friend. Lead it and guide it to Your will and Your way. Help her to place her trust in you. Amen.

Pray for her to seek wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

Lord, I raise my friend to You. Please grant him wisdom and discernment. Help her to seek you and find direction in your precious Word. Let her put it in her heart. Amen.

Pray she clings to hope

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will fly on their wings like eagles; they will run and not weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

God, you know my dear friend's hopes and dreams. You plant them in his heart. Please help her to set her eyes on you and pursue the dreams you present to her. Amen.

Pray for his healing

"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony." Psalm 6:2

Merciful God, my friend needs healing. You know her intimately and exactly what she is. I ask You to bring healing if it is Your will and to reveal how I can help her in this time of need. Amen.

Serve her and her family

"We are all going to face problems in this life and go through difficult seasons, maybe even some that are just too much to bear. This is when we, in as long as...