A Prayer for When You Are Lonely – Your Each day Prayer – February 15

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A Prayer for When You Are Lonely – Your Each day Prayer – February 15

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February 15, 2024

A Prayer for When You Are Lonely – Your Each day Prayer – February 15

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A Prayer for When You Are Lonely
By Christopher Eyte

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing by means of. A person was there by the title of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He wished to see who Jesus was, however as a result of he was quick he couldn’t see over the group. So he ran forward and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that means. When Jesus reached the spot, he appeared up and mentioned to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down instantly. I have to keep at your own home right this moment.’ So he got here down without delay and welcomed him gladly.” – Luke 19: 1 – 6

After I was in my twenties, I flew from the UK to reside in South Africa for some months. I had a tremendous time experiencing wildlife within the Kruger Nationwide Park, educating at a college, and studying concerning the native cultures. Sooner or later, I discovered myself strolling alone in a metropolis surrounded by hundreds of strangers from a totally completely different lifestyle. They didn’t even converse my language. I noticed how far I used to be from house at that second, and I felt very alone.

Loneliness is an omnipresent illness affecting multitudes. It will possibly take many kinds and impacts completely different individuals in all types of how. Maybe you sit in an workplace by your self all day, watching a pc display screen with nobody to speak to. Otherwise you do work with others in an workplace however nonetheless really feel disconnected on a private degree. Or possibly you’re a mother or dad on the varsity run. You drop the youngsters off at college and are available house to an empty home with no buddies to see. The quietness is deafening. Or you would be somebody who sits in a restaurant or goes to a bar – anyplace with a little bit of coloration and noise to drown out the empty silence. In days passed by, maybe you paced the schoolyard by your self throughout lunch breaks since you had no buddies. Staying within the hospital may also be lonely – discovering your self there unexpectedly and surrounded by strangers, each sufferers and medical workers. You see different sickly individuals obtain guests, however nobody visits you.

Or it’s doable that you’re one other Zacchaeus. You may have hundreds of thousands of {dollars} and reside in a beautiful home with sweeping lawns, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Folks come to your events as a result of they love your wealth, however you recognize they’re not actual buddies. Inside your coronary heart, you are feeling as sick as a canine from the remoteness. Nobody is aware of the true you, and you are concerned that in the event that they did, nobody would like you. Really, you don’t must be filthy wealthy to really feel like this. Our materials belongings can imply little if we don’t have the fitting relationships to offer us that sense of belonging in a neighborhood.

I’m wondering what was going by means of the thoughts of the biblical Zacchaeus when he lifted himself up from the crowds and hid on the high of a tree. He had no expectations – only a secret want to see Jesus. Loners can each need consideration and conceal from the limelight due to insecurity. That’s why this tax collector shields himself from Jesus however makes certain he can see him. After which all the things adjustments. The gang jostles to a halt because the Lord abruptly stops strolling and lifts his head. He friends up on the tree branches and appears proper into the guts of this wealthy, solitary man. Then he calls Zacchaeus to step down from his loneliness and dangerous methods of residing for the easy purpose that Jesus needs his firm!

Why did Jesus emphasize he ‘should’ keep on the home of Zacchaeus, and why did he put it so pressingly: ‘right this moment?’ Maybe there’s a clue in a parable he as soon as advised of a father who sees his prodigal son distant and runs to him. There’s an urgency within the coronary heart of God for us to grasp he actually likes to be with us. After we draw near him, he’s faster at drawing nearer to us! Immediately, not solely tomorrow. The very title of Jesus means ‘God with us,’ and that’s a fact no matter any emotions of isolation. “And I’m with you all the time, even to the top of time,’ he advised his disciples in Matthew 28:20. So, let’s dress ourselves with cheerful hearts as a result of we’re united with the Dwelling God! Now and perpetually.

Let’s Pray:

Dearest Father,
Thanks that though I’ll really feel alone at instances, I’m not likely alone since you are with me. The Bible says, ‘God is Spirit’ and ‘God is love,’ and so I can belief in your unseen presence and the enjoyment of your grace for me. You like me, and I’m content material. Assist me to beat these battles in my thoughts and provides me power in self-discipline in order that I develop in you as I learn your Phrase and spend time in prayer every day. Assist me to not really feel sorry for myself however as a substitute to succeed in out to others in your title. My wants are met in you alone – so assist me to assist others on your sake.
In Jesus’ title, Amen.

Christopher Eyte lives along with his spouse Céline and three youngsters in Swansea, Wales, UK. He has labored as a journalist for a few years and writes his personal weblog (hislovefrees.life) encouraging others of their stroll with Jesus. He grew to become a Christian in February 2002, after a good friend defined God’s wonderful grace!

Train Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve author Christina Patterson. Every week, she provides you sensible, real-life tips about tips on how to develop your religion and relationship with God by means of the ability of prayer. To take heed to her episode on What to Pray within the Morning for a Fear-Free Day, click on under!