We’ve all been single. But that doesn’t mean we all feel the same way about our singleness.
For some of us, singleness is the best. It affords us freedom and all kinds of opportunities in life that don’t come as easily for married couples.
For some of us, singleness feels like a burden. Without a spouse, it can be difficult to find the relational support we need. We might wonder if we’ll be stuck as the third wheel forever.
And many of us land somewhere in the middle, feeling both the joys and frustrations of single life as we navigate different seasons of life.
No matter what you think about your singleness, here’s the truth: God wants to hear about it. God wants to hear about every aspect of your life, whether you feel like praising or lamenting. Keep reading to find seven prayers you can use as a springboard to talk to God about your singleness.
What the Bible Says About Singleness
In most cultures today, marriage can seem like one of life’s big goals that all single people should aspire to. But the Bible tells us that singleness provides unique opportunities to lead a meaningful, God-honoring life.
In the early church, singleness was viewed as a gift. While the biblical authors never made discouraging marriage a priority, they were honest about why they believed the single life was superior.
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. 1 Corinthians 7:32-38 NIV
Here’s the point: The Bible doesn’t treat singleness as a problem to fix, but as an opportunity to serve God and serve others.
Regardless of how you feel about your singleness, I hope these verses encourage you. The world might tell you that you’re incomplete as long as you’re single, but that’s not the way God sees you. He sees you as whole, complete, and capable of so much good in the world. When you make the choice to lean into your relationship with Him and share His love with the people around you, there’s no limit to the impact you can have. And prayer is one of the best ways to kick-start that process.
7 Prayers for Singles
You almost certainly won’t relate to every prayer prompt written below—and that’s okay! But hopefully, at least one or two of these prompts will feel applicable to where you are with your singleness right now.
Feel free to read through these prayers word for word, or use them as a springboard for a longer conversation with your heavenly Father.
1. A Prayer for Singles Looking for Direction
Father, I don’t know what I’m doing with my life right now. I don’t know if I want to get married one day or if I want to stay single. Sometimes I feel worried I might run out of time to find a spouse, or that I’ll regret giving up my freedom if I choose to settle down. Would You help me trust You and Your guidance? Let me find rest in knowing that You have a good plan for my life, and that You’ll provide me with direction as I need it. Give me ears to hear where You’re leading me next. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Singles in Need of Support
Lord, I feel pretty lonely. I’m thankful for the friends and family I have in my life, but I have this longing for deeper connection. Would You show me how to find the support I need? Give me opportunities to invest in the relationships I already have, and show me if there are people around me who are feeling a similar need for support. And above all, help me lean on You and trust You to support me through everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Thanksgiving Prayer for Singles
Jesus, I’m just really happy with my life right now. I’m so thankful for the ways in which You’ve richly blessed me. I’m thankful for my friends and family, for my job, for a roof over my head. I’m thankful for the ways in which I can invest in the lives of my loved ones and my community because of the freedom You’ve given me. Would You help me continue to see the ways in which I can use my singleness to bless other people? In Your name, Jesus, amen.
4. A Prayer for Singles Waiting on Marriage
Father, I’m still waiting for a spouse. And that feels hard right now. I’m happy for my friends and family members who are married, and I’m so thankful to be a part of their lives. But sometimes I struggle with the ways in which You’ve blessed them, while I’m still waiting. Would You provide the partner I’ve been waiting for, Father? And would You show me how I can use my singleness well until that day comes? In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer for Singles Before a Date
Holy Spirit, I feel anxious, excited, and about twelve other emotions right now. Would You be with me during this date? Would You keep us safe? Would You help the conversation to go smoothly? Would You keep me from doing anything embarrassing? Above all, I’d love it if You would just give me insight into this person’s character and help me know whether another date might be in order. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. A Healing Prayer for Singles
God, You know what I’ve been through. You know the ways I’ve been hurt in past relationships and what a struggle it feels like now to heal from those experiences. But I don’t want to stay stuck in this place. Would You help me? Help me heal. Give me a community of people who will love me well and rebuild my trust in relationships. Show me how to move forward into a new season of life. I can’t do this without You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer for Singles Who’ve Nearly Had It With Their Friends or Family
Father, if one of my friends or family members asks me, “So, when are you going to get married?” one more time, I might lose it. And I don’t want to lose it. That wouldn’t be very Christlike of me, would it? Instead, I pray that You’ll give me an abundance of grace. When they make quips or comments, show me how I can extend Your Son’s love in that moment—whether that means being honest about how I’m feeling or simply changing the subject. I want to bring You honor through everything I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You’re Doing Great
Being single can sometimes feel like a challenge. But I know you’ve got this. And God has so many opportunities in front of you right now.
You might not be able to see them all, but He’s going to use your time and talents to make a difference in the lives of other people. All you have to do is stay on the lookout for ways You can partner with Him and show His love to other people. Keep talking to Him—and get ready to watch Him move.