Anika Pyle’s “Prayer for Lonely People” captures our “alone-togetherness”

Anika Pyle wrote “Prayer for Lonely People” two years ago as a practice of kindness for people who were “lonely, hurting, grieving.” But releasing it now, the Philly singer-songwriter finds that it’s taking on an even deeper meaning, as we all experience what she calls a “universal alone-togetherness.”

“This year has struck us like a lightning bolt — exposing the injustice in nearly every corner of our world — race, health care, housing, education, wages, policing and policy,” Pyle shares. “We cannot return to ‘normal,’ we must move on to ‘better.’

“It feels strange to be sharing right now but I hope this song might inspire you to recall a loving mindset, channel your anger into action, and work towards not only equity, but also joy for all.”

“Prayer for Lonely People” is accompanied by a video that captures Pyle’s friends’ experiences of life during stay-at-home orders — a sort-of time capsule of how the pandemic has affected her community.

Watch the video below. “Prayer for Lonely People” is available on all streaming platforms except Amazon.