Prayer for friendship for lonely people
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
“Jesus responded: “Love your God to the Lord with your heart, your soul and your heart.” This is the first and greatest commandment.
Read or listen to the following:
I called Allison 30 minutes before Bible studies told her that she began to miss her. I expressed my biggest disappointment that I couldn’t make it that morning was that I wanted to see her and catch up. I emphasized that she was non-stop in my heart, praying for her husband’s cancer to be cured, and praying for the souls of her and her young child. Of course, in return, she asked me about my condition. I told her how I realized that the temporary disability caused by chronic back pain was not compared to her hard season, but shared that my biggest struggle cannot exist among my friends and family. I think I need to surround me. But I can’t do it now. And the good Lord knows how much I need people too. We all need a connection. And life just hurts flat. I felt it deeply when I hung up the phone and was saddened by what my friend was going through. I was sad that I couldn’t become a better friend. I saddened that over time my circle of friends seemed to decrease as life demands and restrictions continued to lock me in more isolated situations. But even so, my heart longs for connection.
Are you craving a connection? Maybe you will be in a difficult or lonely season and you can surround yourself with support using friends and intimate circles. I’ve felt this many times. But when you feel you can’t be the best friend, it’s really hard to feel worthy of a friend.
The first thing to remember at a moment like this is that I have a constant friend in Jesus. No, I can’t see his face until we meet in heaven. But when I sat with him every morning, I experienced the reality of his very present comfort and love. I close my eyes and acknowledge his closeness, open my soul, feel his faithful arms of love wrapped around me, thanking him for his peace and comfort. He offers a friend he has never seen before.
Still, we need people. We need to understand that it helps others to be connected, grow with compassion, perhaps receiving support from some company and strive to be friends and be friends that will help them to be there. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors when we love ourselves. But most of us stumbled at what point. For me, seeing my friends running around cooking meals means I don’t have the physical ability to make or give food or flowers. But this is where I am wrong. And you can be involved because God gave his children a unique heart and a unique heart with unique gifts and abilities. He places his particular son and daughter on our path and receives it all. I prayed, although I may not have been able to send or cook food last week. I may not have been able to study today to hold Alison, but I could call her and send her a card so that I would love her and not stop praying. And when I did this – when I poured my love on my part when I wanted to be loved – I felt connected and caring in return. I was filled with Jesus’ love more and received salvation from my loneliness. A friend reminder provided by a good Lord when we are friends with others.
This may be your story too. If you don’t regularly offer your little ones to others, I know it takes time. But in the meantime, never underestimate the friends you have to Jesus. Yes, we are commanded to love others, but first we must love God. And when we do this, we receive the blessings of his love in return for his care, comfort, and friendship. And we can be more filled with his love and pour it out more on others in need. Someone who needs love and friends… just like you.
Let’s pray:
God always exists, you are my constant companion. I want to find comfort and connection through the loneliness of life, and I know you are the answer. I also want to connect with the community with your people, so don’t forget to love others in the way I want to be loved. Help me to keep my eyes open to the people you place along my path. And give me confidence in the abilities you have given and the boldness that I use what I need to connect with others to connect with others from the overflow of love you pour on me. Thank you for your constant friendship. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Keri Eichberger is a Kentucky girl who loves Jesus. She is married to her best friend Mike and has a full house with five children. After writing for years of online audiences, Keri was ordained through the Southeast Christian Church, bringing full-time ministry to life. She is the author who soars with those who conquered and overcome Win Over Forse: Conquer what You, and is passionate about sharing faith-filled encouragement through prayer writing. Connect with Keri on Keriechberger.com or on Instagram.
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