A Prayer for When Their Friends Don’t Understand

Loving Father,

My child is going through something
none of their friends understand,
and they are feeling alone.

I know this kind of loneliness
is part of being human.
Sometimes it’s for simple reasons
like an interest no one we know shares.
Other times it’s more complex:
a disease or diagnosis, a family struggle,
a mental health challenge, a loss.

Regardless of today’s reason,
my child is hurting,
so I hurt too.

I want to yell at the world to be kinder.
I want to correct each misguided comment
and protect their heart from the
pain of being misunderstood.

Yet I know the only thing I can control
is the way I show up for them in this ache,
so I ask for the energy and insight
to support them well.

May our home be a soft landing place
for their body and spirit to rest and recharge—
to be held and seen and loved unconditionally.

Father, you understand them
better than they understand themselves,
so I ask for your nearness
to be revealed in their lonely moments,
comforting them with the knowledge
that they are beloved.

Help us all remember that the reason
we long to be known in the first place
is because we are made for relationship—
made to reach for you, our Creator.

So I pray that this experience leads my child
to your loving arms, to your eternal belonging,
your unflinching embrace.

Amen.

Family Connection Moment

This is a time to affirm your unconditional love for your child. Consider scheduling some quality time with them doing something they love, and remind them they are cherished, seen, and loved no matter what.