Friday Prayer: Wrestling with Loneliness

Jesus, you know what it feels like to be alone - abandoned by friends in your darkest hour, misunderstood by those closest to you, isolated in your suffering. You understand the ache of loneliness because you've felt it in your bones. In your solitude, I find company.

Loneliness wrapped around me today like a heavy coat I couldn't take off. I felt disconnected even in crowded rooms, unknown even by those who know my name. I've been scrolling through contacts but not calling anyone, craving connection but building walls. I know people care, but the loneliness lies to me about being forgotten. Thank you for being the friend who sticks closer than a brother, for your presence that never leaves, for love that reaches into the deepest isolation.

Fill the empty spaces in my heart with your companionship. Help me reach out instead of reaching inward, to be the friend I wish I had instead of waiting for others to go first. When loneliness whispers that I'm forgotten, let your voice speak louder with promises of your constant presence. Tonight, I rest in the truth that I'm never truly alone. You are with me always, even to the end of the age.