Valentine’s Day is a time that usually evokes feelings of love and romance but for others pain and isolation. God’s love is the greatest love, and it reaches out to us not just on one day but 365 days a year. It’s the anchor we can rest our past pains and future hopes. The following prayers are written for those who have different feelings about Valentine’s Day, both good and bad. They are to help you embrace this day within the context of God’s love.
VALENTINE'S DAY AND MY VIEW OF LOVE
Valentine’s Day can invoke diverse reactions ranging from anticipations of romance to heartbreak and sadness. No matter which one you are or how you feel, Valentine’s Day’s theme of love is for you no matter where you find yourself this season.
"This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. "
– 1 John 3:11 (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY AND FEELING ALONE
Feelings of loneliness can be overwhelming. When we already feel alone, Valentine’s Day can be a time when magnified loneliness might lead to self-pity. You might pray for your soul’s edification.
“Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.”
– Psalm 25:16 (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY AND BEING MARRIED WITH KIDS
Feelings of ‘missing out’ can be overwhelming. When we already feel alone, Valentine’s Day can be a time when others are having fun while we are at home with the children. Remembering to prioritize rejoicing in our spouse and enjoying our kids can provide needed balance for our lives. You might pray something like this.
"Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth."
– Proverbs 5:18 (NLT)
"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."
– Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY AND BEING AN 'EMPTY NESTER'
Have you stood in your kid’s bedroom or playroom and asked, “What will we do now that we are ‘Empty Nesters?” Thoughts like this can bombard us especially if we have not embraced our season in life. Consider this prayer to help you this Valentine’s season.
"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
– Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY FOR THE BROKEN-HEARTED
Life can be hard and our hearts can get shattered. Betrayed by a friend, an abusive past, difficult marriage, disloyal work relationships are just a few things that can break our hearts. You might want to pray this prayer for your own peace of mind and heart healing.
"The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts."
– Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY FOR THE SINGLE PARENT
Single parents are a heroic breed of people. Having to provide spiritual, emotional, financial and relational support for our children AND ourselves is impressive, yet unbearable at times. Perceiving others ‘perfect’ marriages, families and couples with significant others seems to exacerbate our situation. Consider this prayer to encourage your heart.
“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
– Hebrews 13:5b (NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY FOR THE ARMED FORCES (SEPARATED FROM HOME)
Serving in the Armed Forces is incredibly honorable. Amidst the honor, resides a lifestyle that can be bereft of relational closeness, and packed with anxiety. Suffocating loneliness can also attach to us being away from family, friends, and meaningful relationships. Enlist and prayer this prayer to encourage you.
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
– Philippians 4:6-7(NLT)
VALENTINE'S DAY FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Seeing people come home from college can be overwhelming as we witness adulthood inevitable approaching. Friends dating, tying the knot in engagement, and getting married can be dizzying with anxiety. Pray this prayer to help you cope and condition yourself for the next phases of your life.
"Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you."
– Proverbs 4:5–6 (NLT)
