10 Prayers for Comfort for People Feeling Loneliness Around the Holidays
- Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer
- Updated Nov 07, 2023
Gatherings of families and friends, workplace parties, church programs, and other special events can bring laughter and joy during the holidays. What about the folks who aren’t able to share those times with others? How can we show the love of God and comfort those experiencing loneliness around the holidays?
Who Are the Lonely?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines lonely as “sad or dejected as a result of lack of companionship or separation from others.”
Feelings of loneliness can come whether we are alone or in a crowd. Perhaps you or someone you know has felt lonely while participating in a group event. Loneliness affects the young and not-so-young.
Holidays can be especially difficult when we are lonely. Acknowledging our feelings and seeking positive ways of change may be helpful. Asking for guidance from family, trusted friends, and medical professionals may offer hope.
What about the person sitting at a table for one in a restaurant during the holidays? Or a neighbor whose family lives far away and can’t visit during the holidays?
Others who may feel left out and alone are residents of nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospital patients, widows and widowers, single parents, college students, and more.
The lonely can be found in crowds, too. Being part of a large group may not mean a person feels welcome and accepted. Loneliness can occur when we are journeying through grief or other difficult times. Grieving during the holidays can be difficult.
Remember that every person is going through something different in life. Show compassion, love, and hope through words and actions.
What Does Scripture Say About Loneliness?
The Bible discusses loneliness and lonely people on various occasions. When we seek wisdom and discernment, praying to God and reading His Word are important ways to deepen our faith and glean ways to help those who are lonely, including ourselves.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Reading and hearing Scripture can bring peace and hope. Consider Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet.” God instructed Jeremiah not to marry. God had other plans for the prophet. Jeremiah was called to speak out against Judah’s sinfulness and warn them of what would come if they didn’t change. Jeremiah chose to trust and follow the calling from God.
Have you ever thought of Jesus as being lonely? Jesus knew His Father was always present. Yet, Jesus, while on the cross, cried out and asked God why He had forsaken him. Jesus knew loneliness because Jesus experienced everything we have endured or will endure.
How Can We Share God’s Love During the Holidays?
Does your holiday “to-do” list become overwhelming at times? Buying presents, sending and accepting invitations to parties, preparing and attending school functions, and participating in special worship services and events may fill our days and nights. What happens when our time is filled with too many activities? Do we forget about others who may need extra care? How can we share God’s love during the holidays?
Pause, pray, and ask God to bring awareness of opportunities to share His love during the holidays. Read His Word daily and absorb His message.
Think about the people around you. Family, friends, neighbors, folks you may encounter daily, strangers, restaurant workers, store clerks, mail deliverers, teachers, librarians… the list goes on.
Sharing God’s love can be easy to show. Acts of love such as smiling, looking someone in the eye when speaking, listening and hearing during conversation, sending letters and cards, visiting nursing homes, serving food at a shelter, taking a meal to a widow/widower, inviting someone to share a meal with your family, and many more ways. Our actions can impact the world in positive ways.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
10 Prayers for Comfort When Feeling Holiday Loneliness
- Father, thank You for loving us. Please cover Your creations with a hedge of protection. Give peace and comfort during the holidays. Remind us of ways to show everyone the love and hope found in You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
- Dear God, we give thanks for the many blessings You provide. Please be with those who are alone during the holidays. Surround those people with love, laughter, and joy. Help them to know that You will always love them. Amen.
- Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask You to comfort children who are lonely during the holidays. Help us to bring joy by sharing Your love and peace. We thank You for giving comfort. Amen.
- Abba Father, thank You for comfort. Please bring comfort to everyone lonely around the holidays. Whether they are in a crowd or alone, please help them to know Your love. May we be considerate of the feelings of others. Amen.
- Lord God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, we have gratitude for Your love and forgiveness. Guide us to comfort anyone who is feeling lonely around the holidays. Help us to remember that every person is experiencing a different life situation. Help us to show Your love in our words and actions. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
- Father, thank You for allowing us to help others who are lonely around the holidays. May we remember to invite and include people who may be alone to share in worship, special events, and more. May we remember to share conversation and Your Word. Amen.
- God, please guide us in ways to help people in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers during the holidays. Help us to inquire about anyone who may need comfort. Father, give us the words You want to share so others may know You. Amen.
- Dear Lord, please comfort those who are grieving around the holidays. Cover them with Your love and hope, and bring peace and calm. Remind them that You are always present. Thank You. Amen.
- Heavenly Father, please bring love and comfort to animals around the holidays. Some of your creatures are in shelters, and some are without a home. Guide us to show love to all of your creations. Amen.
- God, help me to recognize when someone is lonely around the holidays and at any time. I pray that I will always be aware of the feelings of others. I pray I will show Your love and peace at all times. Help me to comfort the lonely and lead them to You. Thank You. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
If you are experiencing loneliness around the holidays or at any time, pray to God and seek wisdom and discernment. He is waiting to share time with His children.
Also, you could reach out to a trusted friend and share your feelings. Volunteering at a local shelter or assisting at church could brighten the day. Ask God for ways to handle loneliness around the holidays.
Can you think of other words or actions to help those experiencing loneliness around the holidays?
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kerkez
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!
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