Well, here I go, I thought to myself. Another beautiful Saturday morning and I have nowhere to be.

Weeks earlier, I had moved to my favorite city during my favorite time of year. I lived blocks from the beach. And I worked a subway ride from my favorite sports stadiums. Yet I knew no one—and I spent countless days wondering if I would ever feel at home.

While wrestling with my feelings of loneliness, I committed to seeking God in prayer. Whenever I felt alone—whenever I wondered if I would find a community of friends—I asked God to provide peace, courage and an escape from my anxiety.

As the weeks went by, I started to feel more and more connected to my new home. And I eventually met a loving group of friends who fulfilled my need for community. Today, I look back on my experience with nothing but joy; I can still feel the excitement of God’s provision for me.

What about you? Do you feel alone today?

Maybe you can relate to my experience and have yet to start new friendships after moving to a new home. Maybe you’re self-conscious about your personality in social settings and often spend time alone. Maybe your chaotic life isn’t conducive to meeting people.

Regardless of your circumstances, you long to feel connected. And you long to smile, laugh and share stories with a group of friends.

In moments like these, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. As John writes, “…we are sure that [God] hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will” (1 John 5:14b). These four prayers will get you started:

Lord, I feel alone today. Help me to experience your presence.

Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding. Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence?– Psalm 139:6-7 (GNTD)

Lord, I feel stuck in this place. It’s been so long since I’ve had a tight-knit community of friends. Please provide for my needs.

Look at the crows: they don't plant seeds or gather a harvest; they don't have storage rooms or barns; God feeds them! You are worth so much more than birds!– Luke 12:24 (GTND)

Lord, I’m overwhelmed with anxiety. Fill me with your peace.

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”– John 14:27 (GNTD)

Lord, I praise you because you love me and always have my best interest in mind.

No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!  For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.– Romans 8:37-39 (GNTD)