Prayer for loneliness

Lord, I feel alone. It is not just the empty house or the phone that does not ring; it is a loneliness inside, that stays even when there are people around.

Turn to me, for I am lonely and afflicted — that is how the psalmist prayed, and that is how I pray now.

Remind me that you never leave me. You are here in this room, at this table for one, in this silence. You know my words before I say them and you seek me before I look for you. I am not as alone as I feel.

But I also know that you set the lonely in families, and that this happens through people. So give me courage to take the first step: send the message, accept the invitation, join the community, ask for help. Take from me the pride that pretends everything is fine.

Put someone in my path this week. And make me someone who sees other people's loneliness too.

You are the Father of the fatherless and the companion of those who are alone. Stay with me tonight. Amen.