If we’re honest, prayers for long-distance relationships often focus more on ourselves than they focus on God.
We pour out our anxieties, sorrows, and longings. Our loving Father cares for us in these things. If you don’t know already, it’s okay to miss your long-distance boyfriend.
But because God cares for us, he knows our deepest need is not an immediate answer. More than anything else, we need Jesus.
Wailing or Worshiping?
I’m convicted by Hosea 7:14, which says: “They do not cry to me from the heart, but they wail upon their beds.”
I’ve spent many nights crying and crying on my bed. Many nights, these cries have been sincere, and I’ve felt God’s comfort.
But reflecting on other nights, I have to wonder: Was I crying out to God? Or was I just crying inconsolably?
There’s a healthy place for lament in the Christian life — especially prayers of lament in a long-distance relationship. You should cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). We need to be honest with God even when we’re upset.
But we can’t stop there. Our lament must have an aim. We must ask God to turn our wailing into worship.
The worship may be tear-stained, throat-choked, and tight-fisted. You may feel helpless and close to hopeless.
That’s okay. God intends to change your heart through prayer. His compassion compels him to lead you to himself.
How to Get from Wail to Worship
In my experience, I’m not always ready to worship authentically when I begin praying. I need to start where I am and ask God to bring my heart up to speed with the truth.
So, start your prayers with brutal honesty. Tell God how you’re feeling.
Then, recall truths about God — his character, his power or his purposes. Soak them in and praise God for them.
Finally, consider how these truths can redirect your wails to worship. Confess your resistance to God. Ask him to transform you and thank him for the work he’s already done.
Three Prayers for Long-Distance Relationships
Below are three examples of prayers for long-distance relationships. Each of them reflects difficult emotions I felt when my husband and I dated long-distance.
You can pray along or use them as inspiration for your own prayers.
You can download a free PDF worksheet of these prayers by clicking the button below.
Make sure to read the verse alongside each prayer, too. The Bible is one of God’s primary tools for molding our hearts and helping us find the answers we need.
A Prayer for When You Miss Your Long-Distance Boyfriend
Lord, you know I miss him so much. You know that his absence makes my heart ache.
I don’t understand why we have to be separated right now, but I trust that your plans are good, God. Your thoughts and ways are much higher, much wiser, much better than mine. Please help me believe that.
God, you are completely worthy of all my love and attention. You’re the creator of relationships, and your intention is that all these emotions would lead me back to you.
I thank you, Jesus, that I never need to miss you. You are always with me — what an incredible truth! You delight in being with me even when I don’t delight in being with you.
Because, God, I confess that I sometimes long for my boyfriend’s presence more than yours. Would you restructure my heart’s affections?
I need you, Jesus. Thank you for remaining with me no matter what.
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
A Prayer for When You’re Unsure About the Future of Your Long-Distance Relationship
Hey God, what do you think about our relationship? Is it healthy? Is it good? Will it last?
I wish you would leave me a message in the sky or the snow or the sand — anything to let me know what I’m supposed to do next.
I long for words from you, God, but you have already given me your words in the Bible. I admit I don’t always appreciate that opening your Book requires me to open my heart to you.
But that’s why the answers aren’t obvious, isn’t it? I can’t find peace until I’ve found you, the living Word. Thank you for allowing us to know you, God, because wisdom begins with knowing you.
Please help me desire you more every day, Jesus. Help me be attentive to how you desire me to honor you through this relationship.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)
A Prayer for When You Wish You Were with Your Long-Distance Boyfriend
Lord, I am impatient and upset. I don’t want to wait any longer to see him.
Help me trust your timing, God. You are neither slow nor hasty. Your pace is just right.
Grow my capacity to wait for good things, God. Help me recognize all the good you’ve already given me. Let my hope in eternity with you be greater than my hope of seeing my boyfriend.
My impatience reveals I’m not content. Help me be content. Renew my joy in living life with you, Jesus, and remind me your grace is all I need.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Read next: An Uncommon (But Convicting) Prayer for Your Long-Distance Relationship
