God's Nearness in Lonely Evenings - Your Nightly Prayer - June 6th
God’s Nearness in Lonely Evenings
Your Nightly Prayer
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." - Psalm 25:16
SOMETHING TO PONDER
In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared loneliness a public health epidemic. One in two adults reports significant seasons of loneliness. Western cultures generally have higher rates of loneliness than other regions of the world. There are many reasons for this, not least the way the devices meant to connect us actually isolate us. We were designed for community, and such isolation can cause various health problems, just as stress does. As May transitions into June, school ends and summer begins. People can feel lonely because they no longer have the weekly gatherings with others during classes and other activities. Or perhaps you sit and keep working while others go on vacations and appear to have an amazing time. Summer schedules get disrupted, thrown away. In churches, small groups take a break. For whatever reason, maybe we dread the summer and the isolation that comes with it.
Thankfully, we serve a God who longs to be with us. He even became a man and dwelt among us, revealing how much he wanted an intimate relationship. Time after time, the Father’s redemptive plan centers on restored, meaningful relationships. Being omnipresent, he is always with us and never leaves us. Jesus can also relate to feeling alone. Whether his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness or his struggle in Gethsemane, Christ our High Priest knows what it’s like to be isolated and alone. As our perfect example, what did he do in that position? He cried out to God. As Psalm 25:16 teaches us, we can admit our isolation and affliction, the pains we endure, and call out to the God who loves us. Jesus admitted his pain and loneliness and pleaded with his Father for help. And God sent angels to minister to the Son’s need.
God will do the same to us. He responds to all who call upon him, admitting their need. As messy as it feels for us, the Lord longs to turn his attention to us and rejoice over us with singing. Let us take him at his word and draw near to the One who will draw near to us.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I come to you in my loneliness. I admit my need. When the schedules end and isolation increases, draw near to me. Remind me how you are with me and will never leave me. As Jesus cried out, teach me to cry out in trust and faith. Heal my heart and send your comfort. Help me to continue to seek community and not withdraw from others. Sing over me and anchor me in your presence and hope.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- What are the ways you feel lonely during this season? Admit them to God.
- What are the ways you feel afflicted—pained with situations or other issues? Also admit these to God.
- From a place of honesty and truth, admit your need for God to comfort you. Cry out to him. And draw near to him, trusting he will draw near to you.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/demaerre
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