Living Alone

Psalm 27:10-11 – Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path. (NRSV)

I never thought of myself as a person "living alone". I just happen to be living by myself for the first time in nearly three decades. But others saw my life differently and responded in wonderful and affirming ways. I just had a "big" birthday — in Guyana every birthday is a big birthday, a cause for celebration. My wonderful neighbour had a special meal for me, and then I was invited to one of my churches — Betterhope — and they had a thanksgiving service to celebrate my birthday. I could barely contain the wonderful emotions within me. But I think I lost it, as one of the elders rose and read a prayer to help guide and lead me in my life alone. Strange how you rarely feel alone when you have a wonderful church family surrounding you with love.

There are many people who live alone and would be blessed with the prayer given to me on my birthday, maybe the most precious gift of all, besides the thanksgiving service itself.

A Prayer For Those Who Live Alone:

I live alone, dear Lord, stay at my side,
In all my daily needs, to be my guide.
Grant me good health, I pray,
To carry on my work from day to day.
Keep pure my mind, my thoughts, and my every deed.
Let me be kind, unselfish in my neighbour's need.
Spare me from fire, from flood, from malicious tongues,
From thieves, from fear, from evil ones.
If sickness or an accident befall,
Then humbly, Lord, I pray, hear my call.
And when I am feeling low or in despair,
Lift up my heart and help me in my prayer.
I live alone, dear Lord, yet have no fear,
Because I feel your presence ever near. Amen.
(distributed by
Food for the Poor, Queenstown, Guyana)