The Bible doesn’t pretend loneliness away. The psalmist says, “I am desolate and afflicted.” Elijah sat under a tree and told God, “I, even I only, am left.” And Jesus, in Gethsemane, asked his closest friends to stay awake with him, and they fell asleep. He knows what it’s like.
Historical Context
A Prayer for Loneliness
Lord, I feel alone.
I’m not sure anyone really sees me, or would notice if I disappeared for a while.
But you see me.
You knew me before I was born, and you haven’t looked away since.
Be close to me now.
Fill the empty places with your presence,
and bring people into my life who will love me well.
Amen.
At Night, When It’s Worst
Lord, the house is quiet and my thoughts are loud.
Sit with me.
Let me sleep knowing I’m not alone in this room.
Amen.
After a Move, Loss or Breakup
Father, the people I used to lean on aren’t here anymore.
Help me grieve what I’ve lost
and give me courage to reach out to someone new.
Amen.
For Lonely Older People
Lord, be with those who’ve outlived their friends,
whose phones rarely ring,
who sit alone in care homes and quiet apartments.
Send someone to them today. Maybe me.
Amen.
If loneliness is turning into hopelessness, please talk to someone today: a friend, a pastor, a doctor or a crisis line. Reaching out is part of the answer to this prayer.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At night or on weekends, when loneliness often hits hardest.
- On holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.
- After moving somewhere new.
Scripture Connection
“Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.” — Psalm 25:16
The psalmist doesn’t hide his loneliness or dress it up. He tells God plainly and asks him to turn toward him. That’s permission to do the same.
Related prayers
For heartbreak, see the Prayer for Breakup. For widows, the Widow’s Prayer. For hope, the Prayer for Better Days.