A Prayer for the Friendless

Father, I do not have a person to call when something good or terrible happens. No one would notice if I went quiet for a week. I watch others laugh in easy circles and wonder what they learned that I somehow missed.

I confess this has made me bitter and afraid at once, convinced I am the problem, certain I will be turned away, so I stopped reaching out before anyone could leave first.

So I bring You this friendless heart, tender and walled up. You called Your followers friends, not servants, and You stay closer than a brother when everyone else has gone.

Heal what makes me hide. Give me the nerve to be known and the patience to let real friendship grow slowly. And until then, be the Friend who fills the silence, for there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

I lay down the shame of being alone in this. You are not embarrassed to be seen with me. And starting tonight I will let myself believe that I am befriended by God, and that is a friendship no one can take. Amen.