Anna “And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”, it is stated in Matthew 21:22.

How often do we ask though, in complete faith that we shall receive? I know of one too many times when I cry out in complete desperation for something but rooted deep in my heart is a fragment of disbelief.

Some prayers are far too outlandish and odd to ask for, I thought to myself. O’ you of little faith, Anna. I had never thought of praying for friendship, even when I am one who is prone to loneliness. The gift of companions had always been handed to me ever since primary school. I had always seemed to find Christ-loving friends within every period of my life and I know that I am beyond blessed for that.

The first day of university came by on August 26th, 2013 and for an entire year, I have never felt such loneliness ever. Everyday was torment and for the most part, this is self-inflicted. I could not bring myself to be acquainted with my university mates and hence, group work was tough. I spent lunches by myself and I had no one to speak to. Very “first world problem”, I know. Knowing though that enough is enough, I prayed for a prayer of provision on the week before Semester 5 began. It had been precisely a year since I’ve joined Taylor’s University and in all this while of being alone, I had prayed that should God choose not to provide me with the gift of friendship, could He at least allow time to pass by quicker so that before I knew it, I would have graduated. And this time, I did not have an ounce of disbelief. Within a week of Semester 5, I’ve found rewarding friendships with individuals who have made me laugh and cry from laughing far too much. The walls that I had held up for days on end, they all came crashing down into a pile of dust instantly. I was finally free and been given the gift that I had longed for every day I stepped into class: friends. Where I used to be immensely grieved to go to school, I was now thrilled to.

“And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”, it is stated in Matthew 21:22. And I choose to believe.