10 things to pray for your single friends

Happy Monday sweet friends! I am often told by very dear and well-meaning people, "I am praying for you and for your future husband" or "I am praying for that guy to come along quickly" or (my personal favorite *smiles*) "I am praying for you future hubby today". All of these things are wonderful and I am so grateful and thankful for the time that people pray for this area of my life. BUT I am also asked by those closest to me, "Besides praying that your future husband comes along, how can I pray for you as a single?". I have been thinking about this a lot and today I wanted to share 10 things that you can pray for your single friend. While this doesn't address everything to pray and is definitely not a "formula" I do hope and pray that this is a good "starting point" for you to be praying for those that you love who are single. 

1. Pray that they would see the Lord cares uniquely and lovingly for them in this season. 
One of the ways that singleness "attacks" the emotional heart of singles is the feeling that they are alone and in a desert. Pray that your friend would unique see that the Lord has not forgotten them and is with them. When I think of this area I always think of the story of Hagar in the Bible (Genesis 16). The Lord provided beautifully and uniquely for this single woman. Pray that your friend would see that the God of Hagar is still the same today and is uniquely and lovingly working in this season. 

2. Pray that your friend would find rich community, friendships, and support during this season. 
As singles get older it is a sad but common phenomenon for them to "lose" friends as they watch them get married and move into a different season in their life. Pray that your friend would find rich friendships (Proverbs 17:17) and support (from people of all different ages) during this time. Pray that your friend would find a special place in their church where they can find community. I have said this before and have heard it hundreds of times from single friends... Sunday... attending church... can be the loneliest time for a single. Pray for them during this time and that as they continue to attend church they would find rich community. (Hebrews 10:22-25)

3. Pray for their self-esteem. 
Look, even the most confident person who is single questions and wonders if something is "wrong" with them and that is why they are single. Many singles struggle with self-esteem whether in their looks, or feeling that something that occurred in the past makes them "unworthy" for a great relationship, or feeling that for "xyzreason" they are "not good enough". Pray that your friend would know the truth of Psalm 139:13-14 and that this would resonate in their hearts. 

4. Pray for their broken heart. 
Many many many singles have experienced a broken heart and rejection in their single journey. Whether this is a broken heart due to a relationship that didn't work out or the feeling of rejection by another person or the disappointment that a situation didn't "pan out" the single often feels "brokenhearted". Pray that your friend would tenderly know the loving care of God and that they would experience His healing of any brokenness that they are experiencing. (Psalm 147:3)

5. Pray for their fears. 
Many singles deal with fear over a host of different issues. This could be fear of the future of never finding someone, fear of how to "make it" on their own, or simply some personal fears that they are experiencing. Pray that your friend has freedom from their fears (Romans 8:15) and that your friend knows fully the joy of trusting in the Lord for their daily and future needs. 

6. Pray for them as they navigate a "couples world" and deal with many who have a lack of understanding for their situation. 
I have heard it said a thousand times and I often agree... it is a couples world. Whether intentionally or unintentionally this can often lead singles to navigate a host of situations that are "normal, daily events" that requires a lot of grace and a lot of strength. Many times those who are well-meaning have rash words (Proverbs 12:18) that can hurt those who are struggling with singleness. Many times invitations to events come (or required business dinners) that "require" a "plus one". Social media is exploding with engagement announcements, wedding pictures, and relationship love. All of these things can be difficult to handle. Pray that your friend finds hope in the Lord as they navigate these areas. (Psalm 3:3)

7. Pray for them on holidays and for upcoming events (i.e. bridal showers, engagement parties, weddings, etc.). 
Pray for your friend as they approach holidays and upcoming events that they would know that the joy of the Lord is their strength and that they would find peace in the difficult moments. Pray that they know the truth of 2 Peter 3:8-9. 

8. Pray for their protection as they travel and live alone. 
Pray that your friend would be protected as they come and go (Psalm 121:8) and that the Lord would watch over them (Psalm 121:5). Pray that the Lord would keep them from all harm and watch over their life. (Psalm 121:7) Pray that the Lord would place His angels around your friend as they travel and live alone. (Psalm 91:11)

9. Pray that they "actively wait" by living each day. 
Pray that your friend that they would wait on the Lord completely (Psalm 130:5-7). Pray that they would know the Lord in this season of "waiting". Pray that they wouldn't wait aimlessly but that they would see where the Lord has them for the present and engage fully in that place the Lord has them. (Psalm 16:5-6) Pray that your friend would know that this season is not wasted but that they Lord has a special and unique purpose in this time and place. Pray that the Lord would reveal this to your friend. Pray that they would live fully in the day that is given them without wasting it by dreaming and waiting to live for tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34) Pray that when they feel that they can't handle another day of singleness that they will know that in Christ is EVERYTHING they need for the day and for life. (2 Peter 1:3)

10. Pray for their hope. 
Pray that your friend would clearly see that they have hope for every situation, including their dreams for marriage. Pray that as the years go by they would not lose hope but would praise the Lord more and more. (Psalm 71:14) Pray that they know the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 and that they would find their hope not in marriage but in Christ and His word alone. (Psalm 130:5) Pray that they would find comfort in in Job 42:12 and that they would be clothed in strength and dignity so that they can laugh at the days to come. (Proverbs 31:25) Pray that they would know hope in the Lord and in His plans no matter what the future holds. (Hebrews 11:1) Pray that they would know the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27)

Looking for additional suggestions on how to walk along side a friend who is single? Check out these posts below: 

How to Encourage your Single Friends
10 Things to Pray for Your Single Friend During the Holiday Season

Are there things that you pray for your single friends that could be added to this list? I would love to know! May you be blessed as you take the time to lift up your friends in prayer!

You are a blessing!!
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(This post was originally published in 2015, but has remained one of my highest read posts to date so I thought I would re-post it for this new year! I am overwhelmed with how many emails I receive each week that ask what people can pray for their single friends. I pray that this is an encouragement and help!)