Loneliness

All the statistics show that the average household size in the UK is dropping.  In the last fifteen years the numbers of 19-59 year olds living alone has tripled.

Among the homeless community over one third spend every day alone.  Loneliness is cited as a key reason why long term homeless people find it hard to maintain a tenancy.

There have been numerous cases of elderly people dying in their homes with no-one in the community noticing their absence.  Lone mums may spend large amounts of time alone, or solely in the company of their own children.

People are working longer hours, and doing more and more leisure activities.  But what are the feelings when the door shuts at the end of a busy day.  It seems that we are becoming more and more isolated.

Key scripture references.

Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families, (Or the desolate in a homeland) he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Prayer points.

• Pray that the church would be a model of true community
• Pray that Christians would be bold in building relationships with the lonely
• Pray for the continued work of Age Concern and Help the Aged as they tackle issues of isolation among the elders in our community.
• Pray for Christian professionals to break the mould of isolated living.
• Pray that many would be attracted to the community they see among Christians.
• Pray that Christians would know an intimacy with Christ which breaks them free from the loneliness of the world.

Jude Smith, lives and works in Marsh Farm Luton.  She teaches in a school with over 40 ethnic groups represented and works for the social action expression of a black majority church.