A prayer awareness exercise for loneliness

Father, lover of all your creation, open me to your love. Jesus, knowing the joys and sorrows of a human life, walk with me. Holy Spirit, giver of gifts, fill me, empower me, use me, even in my brokenness.

In the Genesis story of creation we hear God say, “It is not good that man should be alone”. It reveals to us a God who understands our need for others and does not pretend that His own presence is a substitute. This need for companionship is met by flesh and blood. If it is not met, we can feel lonely.

I allow myself to get in touch with any feeling I have of loneliness . . . . .

I still want to trust that God is with me in this state. I may be lonely, but I am not alone. In Isaiah chapter 43, the Lord says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.” God knows me, claims me, and is with me. I do not need to be afraid even if I am lonely.

Might I take something of this with me today? A mantra to be with me through the day? God with me in God’s word: “Do not be afraid. I am with you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.”

Father, Son, Spirit, you know me through and through; you love me as I am; you touch my life with healing; you call me to bear fruit. I give my wounded self to you, to be a channel of healing to others, to be a wounded healer, with Christ, who died, and rose, and comes again. Amen.