Who are my friends? Those who entertain me with their good humor? Those who shower me with their attention? Those who help me—or serve me—to climb the socio-economic ladder? Those who say yes to all my proposals? Those who flatter and court me? Those who never reproach me for my faults?…

Lord, may I choose as friends those who speak to me of You, those who bring me closer to You, those who always have a word from You to enlighten my mind or move my heart… may I seek the friendship of just men. May I enjoy spending time with them talking about spiritual things. May I let myself be corrected and guided by them. May I pray for them so they become better and better…

I took it from a book my community brothers gave me: The Little Flowers of Saint Francis of Assisi