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Pray for me, for I am often extremely lonely because I have no one to talk to and hang out with. I do not have any close friends, as I always have a hard time making and keeping friends. I am a full-time caregiver, so I work mostly in the home and I rarely get to go outside except for Mass. I feel very isolated and alone at home. Pray I make new friends.
I am thinking about you you right now. I am praying for you. I know the sting of loneliness, too. The fear of rejection if we reach out is always there. I ask God to give you the strength to take that step. You took a big step by sharing this prayer. Please talk to the priest at your parish...meet for coffee. Let’s find ways to get you connected. You are not alone. I and others are praying for you.
I am heading to mass right now and you are one of my prime prayer intentions!
Dear Cre, thank you for sharing your note about being lonely. It's especially difficult in a world that seems busier and busier every day -- with people going here and there without often taking time to talk with one another, making loneliness a real thing for many people. Padrepjm replied to you with a note about getting connected, especially at a neighborhood church, and I would have to say that is spot on. There are so many ways to see people and become involved and become friends with others at a church. Depending on your level of comfort, there are often things to do with just a small handful of others, or there are groups that are quite large and busy. It's really up to you and what you want, but I am confident they will welcome you with open arms.
Also, I wanted to encourage you to take a moment to think about Christmas presents. (Yes, this is relevant....) Think about when you buy or make a special gift for someone close to you... and you give the gift to them and they are really appreciative? They have a huge, genuine smile, and they say, "Thank you, Cre! I love it!" That really good feeling that you have in GIVING the gift is a lot better than the feeling of receiving a gift, right? It feels good to GIVE of yourself to someone, and friendship can be the same way. When we give of ourselves to be friendly to others (even strangers), that can feel really good, and it can blossom into a really good friendship that starts to wipe away some of those lonely feelings.
Today, I invite you to ask Jesus to be your friend and walk with you through the course of your Tuesday. Consider having that coffee with your priest or pastor. Consider asking the church for ways just be around a few other people with similar interests. And then ask Jesus to hold you tight as you offer your own friendliness to others, giving that great gift of yourself to someone else in need.
Lord, hear our prayers.