A Prayer About Loneliness

When I feel all alone

DEAR LORD,

The feeling does not hit often, but loneliness can descend like a heavy mist, obscuring my vision and clouding my mind and emotions. At times it happens when a loved one leaves, and I sense the absence often over the next few days. That’s to be expected, I suppose. But the feeling also comes at night or even suddenly during the day. That happened today. I need you always, Lord, but especially in these moments when I seem isolated and feel abandoned and alone. Please be close, Lord. Make your presence palpable. I know that many of my brothers and sisters in Christ are in prisons, often having been torn from their loved ones. Totally isolated, they rejoice in their relationship with you, grateful for the opportunity to suffer for you and affirming that you are with them at every moment. I pray that I may have their kind of courage, faith, and sensitivity to you. Help me trust you, knowing (to paraphrase Corrie ten Boom) that no matter how deep the pit, you are deeper still.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10