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Q&A Home > L > Loneliness I am always surrounded by people that "love me" at church and usually I try to be the best person possible by returning the love of God. Recently, I feel lonely even with all these people around me. I cannot seem to pray at all these days as well. I am trying to break that cycle, but I do not know how. Prayer does not feel genuine. What should I do about the loneliness and the prayer issue? Begin with giving thanks to God. If you are unthankful and fail to express your gratitude to God for the people in your life that love you, they will eventually leave you. God put them in your life to support you with their love. He could have just chosen one disciple, but He chose twelve, and later seventy-two, and sent them in pairs to serve in His ministry. Christian churches are communities of love and fellowship. The Church teaches us to thank God or everything, concerning everything, and in everything. The Thanksgiving Prayer is the beginning prayer after the Lord's Prayer in every hour and at every event. "Let us give thanks to the beneficent God, the Father of our Lord, god, and Savior Jesus Christ. For He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Himself, spared us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour" (Thanksgiving Prayer). We know that He has done this personally, as well as through the expression of love, help, support, and acceptance of others. Thus, if you feel lonely and know your prayers are lukewarm, meditate on the Thanksgiving Prayer. As often as possible, reciprocate love toward others as you would if the Lord Christ is standing before you, even if you must force yourself. Pray with the Psalmist, saying, "Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted" (Psalm 25:16). If your loneliness is beyond the scope of temporary spiritual apathy, seek counsel from a psychotherapist.
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