It’s not uncommon for Christians to experience loneliness. Even in a crowded Sunday service, our hearts can give way to feeling lonely.
A man brushes against my arm as he passes by without notice.
A woman waves from across the lobby, but she’s fixed her eyes behind me.
I smell the coffee they’re trying not to spill as they laugh; it looks like they’re having fun.
He’s talking to me, but he doesn’t see me.
A crowded room is the easiest place for the enemy to whisper, “You are alone.”
But even in the bustle of that room, God hears the prayers of the lonely.
For those of us who struggle with loneliness, praying the promises of God can be a powerful way to draw us close to Him. I encourage you to reflect on this prayer and meditate on the twelve Bible passages referenced in its verses (they’re listed in the endnotes). Then ask God to show you how He sees you. You may also want to read our article, Overcoming Loneliness.
A PRAYER FOR THE LONELY
Father God,
Though I am surrounded by people, I feel alone in my heart.
Though I have people to work with, I feel unneeded.
Though I have friends, I feel misunderstood.
There is a part of me that feels disconnected from the world around me.
I even feel disconnected from you, Lord—I feel alone.
But even if my mother and father abandon me, I know you will take me in.[1]
Change my perspective and let me sense your presence.
Reveal the lie I believe about myself that surrenders to loneliness.
For I know you are the God who sees me.[2]
Make me courageous, knowing you will never leave me.[3]
Make me victorious, knowing you are gracious in my loneliness.[4]
Make me strong, knowing you will uphold me with your righteous right hand.[5]
Turn my focus away from earthly things so I might draw closer to you.[6]
Let me find my joy in knowing you rather than the world knowing me.
I know you see my broken heart, and you’ve promised to bind my wounds.[7]
Remind me that you are for me, even when the world is against me.[8]
Draw me to a spiritual family that will encourage me in my loneliness.[9]
Help me seek the fellowship of those who reflect your light.[10]
I know you are with me today and to the end of this age.[11]
Amen.
__________________________
[1] Psalm 27:10
[2] Genesis 16:13
[3] Deuteronomy 31:6
[4] Psalm 25:16
[5] Isaiah 41:10
[6] James 4:8; Colossians 3:1-4
[7] Psalm 147:3
[8] Romans 8:31
[9] Psalm 68:6
[10] 1 John 1:7
[11] Matthew 28:20
What beautiful reminders from God’s Word to fill lonely hearts or meet any need we have ! Thank you.
Thank you, Jeannie. I so appreciate your kind words. May God’s Word encourage our prayer life.
Joshua, this is so good! I’ve struggled with loneliness too. I’ve been the one in the house of God with friends and fellow believers and felt completely alone, invisible. In my rational mind, I know it’s the enemy whispering his lies to me. But it can be hard to see beyond his deceptions in the moment.
This prayer you offered resonated with me:
Reveal the lie I believe about myself that surrenders to loneliness.
For I know you are the God who sees me.
Great post!
I’m so grateful for your comment, Jeanne. Thank you for being so transparent. I know your honesty will encourage others, just as it has encouraged me. I pray the Lord will continue to draw you close to Him, and strengthen you through His presence.
I’ve missed these prayers. Thanks for sharing them!
You’re welcome, Candyce. I’m so glad to be posting again.
A crowded room is the easiest place for the enemy to whisper, “You are alone.”
But even in the bustle of that room, God hears the prayers of the lonely. I love how you acknowledge the feeling but help us to speak truth over our loneliness through scripture.
God’s truth is the answer to all the lies we believe. Thank you for your encouragement.
I love how you’ve backed up this awesome prayer with words from the scriptures! It’s so comforting to know that God knows exactly how we feel, and he cares for our hurts and loneliness. Thanks for the reminder to call on him in my own loneliness, but to also be more cognizant of those around me who feel alone.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Julie. I really appreciate your comment. God’s love for us in our loneliness should prompt us to reach out to those who are struggling around us. May the Lord give us eyes to see.
Thanks Josh this was very helpful for me this week!
You’re welcome, Jacob. I think this is something we all need to be reminded of. I’m glad you found it helpful.
Your message is especially a blessing for me today. I’m caring for a loved one and the task of a caregiver is one of loneliness. Thank you for reminding me that God recognizes my pain and will send me peace and comfort.
Being a primary care giver it such a difficult and under appreciated life. I know it can be lonely, and I’m so happy this post could be a small encouragement to you. May the Lord encourage and strengthen you.
Josh, what a post to read early this morning! Your illustrations are accurate, as is the scripture we can lean into. “you are for me” is a “go to” for me. I will bookmark this post. Thank you.
Isn’t that a wonderful promise, Marilyn? I love that verse, and I’m so grateful you could be encouraged by it this morning.
What wonderful references to lean onto when we start to feel separated from God. I don’t mind separating from the world so much. In fact, I welcome it. My “loneliness” comes when I don’t feel God’s presence in my life. I’m always the cause for those moments, but the darkness and cold that surrounds me in those moments ebb closer until they start to overtake me. Your references remind me to move faster toward His light. Thank you for sharing sir.
Thank you for your honest comment, J.D. I think your perspective is exactly right. All loneliness comes from our lack of connection to God. Even those who feel earthly loneliness are experiencing a symptom of a deeper need to draw closer to the Father. When we truly sense His presence, we are never lonely. The problem is that many people really on others to cure that inner sadness.
I love this list. They are all great because they are the Word of God but the one that speaks to me right now is “Reveal the lie I believe about myself that surrenders to loneliness for I know you are the God who sees me.”
Thank you, Barbara. I know I fall prey to lies I believe about myself and it’s so powerful to surrender those lies to God.
Thank you so much for this prayer. I’m going to bookmark it so it’s handy!
You’re welcome, Josie. I’m so glad you found it helpful. May the Lord encourage both of us.