Father God, your word says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask, and you will give them generously. I am about to make a huge decision in my life, but I don’t know how to go about it, Father God. I come to you today to ask you for wisdom. Lead me in the way that I should go that I may be able to bring glory to your holy name. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
If you stay in touch with me and absorb what I say, you can achieve anything. (NLT) John 15:7
Making petitions to God is something we are obligated to do. One of the most elementary reasons to pray is that God ordered it. Becoming a disciple is dedicating oneself fully to God’s will.
“Stay on the lookout and pray for help from above. You’ll cave in to temptation if you don’t. The mind and heart are on board, but the physical self is lagging. New Living Translation of Matthew 26:41
Then Jesus used a parable to drive home the point that constant prayer was essential. (Lucas 18:1)
Furthermore, make your requests known to the Holy Spirit at all times. Don’t forget this while you keep praying for and keeping an eye on God’s saints. (NIV) Bible verse cited (Ephesians 6:18)
What’s the Point if I Can’t Pray?
If you find yourself at a loss for words in prayer, have faith that the Holy Spirit will direct you:
When we are weak, the Spirit makes us strong. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we have no idea what to pray for. The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of the righteous in accordance with God’s purpose, and anybody who studies our hearts will know the thoughts of the Spirit. Romans 8:26–27, New International Version
Short Prayer For Guidance And Wisdom
Dear Lord, my heart is full of anxiety. I don’t know how to go about this issue. The decision I make today is going to affect my family and friends. I am scared of failing and shaming my loved ones. But your word says that you have not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. Let your word come alive in me. Let me be filled with love and power so that I can make bold decisions. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Patience Prayer
Heavenly Father, remove anything in me that will cause me to make rash decisions. Give me the patience to handle big and small decisions in different areas of my life. Fill me with divine strength that I may always follow your leading. May I take the path you are showing me even if it seems long. Lord, slow me down when I rush and teach me how to make decisions calmly. In Jesus’ name, I pray and believe. Amen.
Your Will, Not Mine Prayer
Loving Father, only you know my end from the beginning. Nothing I do or say catches you by surprise. You know what is in my heart, good or bad. Everyone around me is choosing to do things their way, and it is very tempting for me to do so too. But Father God, I want your will to be done in my life. If it is not your will for me to take this path, then Father, give me divine strength to accept and to follow your lead. May every decision I make be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray. Amen.
Discernment Prayer
Lord of heaven and earth, so many things await me once I take this step. But I cannot make this decision without you. You are the only one who knows how this decision will affect me. I come to you today asking you to help me make sound decisions. Lord, help me be a better judge in every situation that I face. Open my spiritual eyes so that I can see who and what I am dealing with in Jesus’ name, I believe, and pray. Amen.
Obedience Prayer
Holy Lord, your word says obedience is better than sacrifice. Father, help me to walk in obedience as I make decisions about my life, family, and career. Let those decisions align with your word. Show me the path you have set for me and how to walk in it. Where I have been walking in disobedience, Father, forgive me. Let your Holy Spirit guide me in everything that I do so that I may not go against your word. Humble my heart so that I may be flexible. It is in Jesus’ name, I believe and pray. Amen.
Peace of Mind Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am in despair. Everyone is looking at me to make the final decision. My heart is full of fear. But we walk by faith and not sight, that is why today I am asking you to remove every doubt that is in my heart and replace it with peace. I refuse to let my heart be troubled or afraid. I know that you are with me till the end of time. Today I choose to walk in the same peace that Jesus has. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
When Feeling Uncertain about Your Decision Prayer
Almighty God, you are the great I am, nothing is too difficult for you. Father, I am currently facing a difficult time, I need to make a major decision in my life, but I don’t know how to go about it. Uncertainty has clouded my mind, and I feel like I am drifting away. Lord, remove hesitation from my heart so that I can be able to make the right decisions. Fill me up so that I may follow your guidance without any fear or doubt in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Protection from Wrong Influences Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my refuge and hiding place that is why I am here asking you to protect me against the lies of the enemy. Shield me from weapons that have forged against me to prevent me from making decisions that are within your will. Reveal to me the people that the enemy is using to lead me astray and help me to cut them off from my life. I cover my mind, body, and spirit with the blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray. Amen.
Grace for Every Decision I Make Prayer
Gracious Father, I am dealing with a very complex situation right now. I need grace during this time so that I can do the right thing. Let your grace be upon me so that I may find favor with the right people. Father, do not let me be ashamed for those who oppose me are waiting for me to stumble and fall. Give me a clear vision of where to go and how to get there. Let your grace help me to rely on you fully for the glory of your holy name. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray. Amen.
Past Disappointments Prayer
O Lord, there are decisions I have made in the past that have left me hurt, broken, and insecure. Now I have to make another decision, but the past keeps flooding my heart, and it is making me second guess myself. Lord, take control of my mind. Help me to focus on your leading and not my past failures. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray. Amen.
Read the Next Set of Prayers for Guidance and Direction
Special Prayers for Guidance and Direction
Most Inspiring Bible Verses on Direction
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 58:11
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Prayer For Making Difficult Decisions
“Dear God, I look to no one else for wisdom. I humbly ask for Your help in making one of the most important decisions in my life because I don’t know how to make it without You. Please, give me direction and wisdom so I can make the right decision and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
Our waking hours are a continuous series of decisions, from deciding when to get out of bed in the morning and what to eat for breakfast, to when to put our head on the pillow and call it a day. Dr. Charles Stanley once said, “Life is really just one continuous series of decisions but we are not left to figure all this out by ourselves. God has given us directions for wise decision making.”
Dr. Stanley’s comment should encourage every believer to read their Bible and spend time in prayer to discern and discover those wise directions from the Lord. God doesn’t want us overwhelmed with the plethora of daily decisions. He wants to partner with us in prayer for decision-making.
Why Is Prayer for Decision-Making Important?
It’s easy to forget just how available God is for wise counsel as we too often try to figure everything out on our own. We mistakenly think we should only take the major life-altering decisions to him and try to make what we consider the less important trivial decisions ourselves. But to God, every decision is important and has the potential to change our life for better or worse and he is always near to help us make the best choice. He wants to erase the frown from our brow. When we don’t know which way to turn, a churning stomach, sweaty palms, and rapid heartbeat is not God’s plan for how we should live.
You’ve probably heard it said that God is only a prayer away and yet how often do we take advantage of this promise? If we’re honest, probably not often enough. Our first inclination might be to rush into a decision and not pause for a moment to ask God what he wants us to do in a given situation. I’ll admit it’s not always my first move either. It takes practice to get into the habit of going to God before taking action, speaking, or making a choice or decision.
Life would be so much less stressful if we stopped and prayed, asking the Father, who is omniscient, before making decisions. He knows exactly what’s best for our loved ones and us and will provide guidance in any given situation. Nobody knows our circumstances like God!
Here are 4 ways to lift a prayer for decision-making:
Prayers for Wisdom
James 1:5-6 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Lord, I’ll admit that there are times when I do feel desperately confused and unsure of what I should do. I lay awake at night tossing and turning as I weigh all my choices against the possible consequences and outcomes of my decision. Yet, still, I can’t decide. Your Word promises that all I need to do is call on you to help me and believe you have my best interest at heart. Oh me of little faith. Father, help me remember to seek your wise counsel and trust in the way you tell me to go. There are many voices in my head of those who think they know what’s best for me. Please guide me to those who will provide your biblical perspective and not the world’s persuasion. Like Solomon, my desire is for wisdom to make decisions that are pleasing to you Lord. Even when I don’t completely understand, I trust and believe in you.
Psalm 86:5 reassures, “O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” I’m asking you now Lord to please fill me with your absolute wisdom! I know you always will. Amen
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Prov. 3:7 NLT
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6 NLT
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Prov. 2:10 NLT
praying during work
Prayers for Discernment
Praying for the spirit of discernment can prove to be a brave and bold request. When we humbly ask God to reveal His will to us for specific situations, even when others may not see what we perceive, God may ask us to perform courageous acts that could be lifesaving or forever life-changing. We can become the brave spiritual warriors that our world needs so desperately. Spiritual discernment and godly wisdom let God guide.
Lord, I don’t want to make a decision or take action without sensing that it’s your plan and purpose in every situation, especially the one I’m facing right now. When I read my Bible, please give me the insight to understand your words and apply them to my life. Speak to my heart and let me see clearly what you would have me do in this situation. Help me know it’s you, Lord, and not just my own wishes and desires. Give me the patience to wait on you and see you in ways that others might not understand. Amen
Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Ps. 119:125 NLT
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Prov. 5:1-2 NLT
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9
Prayers for Direction
Decisions by their very nature bring multiple options. When we pray for direction, we’re literally asking God which way we should go and depending on him to guide our steps. It’s a vulnerable and yet reliable path to take in every decision-making opportunity or obligation.
Lord, I seek the Holy Spirit’s wise direction and clear guidance. There are so many options and choices before me. I don’t even want to be in this quandary. How can there be only one way to go? How will I know it, Lord? Then I pick up my Bible and you answer me so clearly, Father. Thank you for leaving your Word to instruct me in your ways. Please remind me to always look to you first for guidance when my heart is torn and troubled with confusion. Ah, that I would learn to trust you more. Forgive me when I doubt and draw me closer every day to your Spirit living in me. Amen
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Ps. 32:8
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Is. 48:17
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes
Prayers for Peace
Decision-making is difficult and we often second-guess the ones we make. What if I had done this differently or is it really what God wants for me? Sometimes the decision is painful and we don’t want to obey God when we know he’s telling us what we must do. Or uncertainty torments us even though we’ve prayed to make the right decision. God wants us to live in peace, not turmoil, so we must cover every decision by asking for God’s blessings on the outcome. Expectantly, we ask God for the willingness, strength, and desire to take whatever action our discernment dictates and let God help us handle the results.
Lord, I’m making this decision after much prayer with you, counsel from experts and those I trust, searching my Bible for wisdom, and arriving at my final decision. Father, I pray for you to bless the outcome if this truly is also your will. Please give me peace to move forward and not look back at things I cannot change. I trust I’ve obeyed your guidance and I’m making this decision with confidence that you will turn it into good and asking you to prevent any unwanted consequences that I can’t see at this time.
Father, my tendency is to worry and wonder if I should have decided differently and I’m pleading with you to remove any doubt from my mind and heart. Help me to have a peace that only you can provide. Thank you for always being available to guide me through these unchartered waters. I rest in peace knowing you’re in me and I’m in you. I pray Lord that decision-making will become easier and easier as I remember to stop, pray, and trust before taking any action. Let this be my new normal that guides and directs my life and please help me be a witness to others to go and do the same. I’ll give you all the glory. Amen
The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it. Prov. 10:22
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:22
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 NLT
