Prayers for Singles (And for Those Who Love Them)

Oh friend, we see you. You’ve got it all on your plate. The kids and their schedules. The to-do list. The house chores. The finances. Your brain is at capacity all the time, and no one else is around to help offload any of the information. It’s hard. You crave time to breathe, yet miss your kids every second they are gone. This isn’t how you saw your life going. When times are hard, remember the Widow of Zarephath who gave the last of her flour and oil to feed the prophet, Elijah. In return, she never ran out of either. God cares for you in the same way. He will not leave you, nor forsake you.

Dear God, You see me. You know my needs and how overwhelmed I feel. Will You give me the strength to survive today? Every moment of the day? Will You give me eyes to see the ways You are showing up today? I hold on to your assurance that You won’t forget me and You will always provide. Even if it’s not on my timetable. Remind me that You care for my children more than I do and they belong to you, no matter what happens. You are the great provider and I trust in You. 

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Dear friend, you are seen. You didn’t ask for an extended season of singleness; it just happened. You lived life and that person never came along like he or she did for others. You are not broken, unwanted, or unloved. God isn’t punishing you or withholding from you. The American dream that includes a white picket fence and 2.5 kids didn’t lie to you, but it didn’t help you either. It’s okay to mourn what you thought you’d have by now. But don’t give up. Don’t let Satan win. Because you’re not living a life for American standards, you’re living a life for Jesus. God is doing more in your long obedience than you realize. 

Dear God, you see and love each one of your beloved children, including me. You know my heart and my deepest longings and fears. You gave them to me and You do not forget them. When the days are long and the nights quiet, will You show up in my life? Will You fill the room with Your undeniable presence? And on the nights that are the hardest, allow me to remember that it’s okay to cry. You put my tears in a bottle and care far more than I can comprehend. Thank you for loving me, just as I am.  

Oh friend, we see you. Afraid of the judgment and critical nature of the church. Fearful of what people would really think of you if you shared your deepest shame and darkest secret. You are not alone. David’s story holds terrible sins and God still calls him a man after God’s heart. Paul had blood on his hands until God stopped him in his tracks. Bringing light to the darkness never fails to bring healing if you let it. 

Dear God, the Bible says You love me, no matter what I’ve done. I know the story of David and the story of Paul, and today, I choose to trust that what You say is true. You forgive when I ask. You blot out my shame, even when I hold on tighter. Forgive me. Will you send someone to walk this journey with me? Give me the eyes to see them and the courage to share all of my story with them. Break down my walls, God. I want to see you redeem my story. I want to walk in your grace, not in my shame. 

Friend. I’m confident when you said your vows on your wedding day, you didn’t expect to be in this stage of life. Yet, somehow you found yourself here. Whether it was from your mistakes, the mistakes of someone else, or some of both, you’re in a position you never dreamed you would be in. Even when others don’t understand, God does. And He’s the only one who matters. But He doesn’t want you to stay where you are. Remember Ruth, the Gentile who remained loyal to the God of her mother-in-law after tragedy struck. She’s in the lineage of Christ. Her life was radically changed because she believed, and now anyone who reads scripture knows her name. The same God is working today and He is for you. Let Him redeem your story today. 

Dear God, You know the inner workings of my heart. You created me before my parents knew me and You are not surprised by my story. Yet, I know you are a God of grace and mercy and can redeem my story. Soften my heart today, God, so that I can be like Ruth and follow You, even when I don’t understand and it’s hard. Give me strength and courage to reach out to others and share my story when it will further Your kingdom. You redeem all things; please redeem my story. Thank you for always showing up. I trust You today. 

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Oh friend, you are not alone. I know it seems like every friend you have is either engaged or freshly married right now. Except you. You share in their joy, but wonder when it will be your turn. You are not falling behind in life. In fact, life is just getting started! Remember Abraham? He waited for years to see God’s promise be fulfilled. God holds your story in His hands, and it’s unique to only you. Make sure you don’t miss out on the best moments because of your stage of life. When the days are lonely, cry out to Him and pay attention. He’s working, don’t miss it because you’re looking for something else.

Dear God, I want to see You in the hard moments. In the ones where I feel alone and behind. Will You show me where You are working in my life? Will You show me the next step in the great adventure of life? And remind me that I’m not behind, I’m right where you want me to be. Help me to remember I’m not alone when it feels like everyone else is a couple. Will you show me others in my position and give me eyes to see Your goodness today? Thank you for always working on my behalf. 

Dear friend, I’m sorry. This has to be a hard space to live in. What you had is now gone and you’re in a place you never imagined you’d be. Dreams were cut short. Hope may seem gone. The places you used to “fit” aren’t so comfortable anymore. Friends don’t call as much now that you’re the odd number of the group. Hold fast. You are not forgotten. God sees you. He holds you. On the hardest days, He’s there. On the easier days, He’s there. He hasn’t left you, even though it may feel like it. Your person is gone, but He is not. 

Dear God, I never thought I’d be in this position. Never wanted it, for sure. But I trust that You have a bigger plan than mine and that Your ways are better than mine. Will you give me boldness to reach out to friends, even if I feel sadness and it’s uncomfortable? When the invites slow down and the night is coldest, will You hold me? When it doesn’t feel like I can go on, will You fill the gaps? I desperately need You right now. Thank you for Your presence, even when I can’t see it. You are a good God. 

Singleness is hard, but you are not alone and God has not forgotten you. May these prayers help you trust God’s timing, find contentment in this season, and grow closer to Him as you wait with hope.

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