Based on an overwhelming response to my prayer post last week, I’m going to make it a weekly occurrence.

This week, based on our articles on boundaries, I’d like to pray about setting relationships in our lives. We need them – not to cut people off – but to fill ourselves up so we can be more present for each other. 

My Prayer Request – Boundaries in Friendship

As for me, I could definitely use more boundary setting in friendship. By no means do I think I need to isolate myself from those who believe differently than I do. After all, “As iron sharpens iron, so must a friend sharpen a friend.”

At the same time, however, I do not need to “throw my pearls to swine.” In other words, if someone has a different moral compass than I do, that’s fine, but I don’t need to hang out in the pig pen. Lest I sound self-righteous (because let’s face it, that smacks of it) let me be clear: Others can lead their lives the way they want to, but it’s not my job to fix it for them when things fall apart. I have my own family to raise… my own bills to pay. I must be sure to set appropriate distance between “my home” and someone else’s. I have enough dirt of my own to sweep up.

As a recovering people pleaser, though, this is not a comfortable position to take, but it’s one I must take to stay healthy, grounded and available for my family. I’d appreciate your prayers for discernment:

* When do I help someone?

* When do I respectfully decline?

Scripture on Boundaries

For every man shall bear his own burden. - Galatians 6:5

A Video on Boundaries

Check out this short video by the highy acclaimed Dr. Henry Cloud. He defines boundaries so well!

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Do you need to set more boundaries? If so, where? Leave a comment so we can pray for each other!