Types of Prayer: Guidance

How to Ask God to Guide You to Make the Right Decision

(from Tithe.ly)

Doubt is a common thing almost everybody experiences when making decisions. Fortunately, we don’t have to make these decisions ourselves. Our wisdom is limited, but God’s wisdom is limitless. James 1:5 states: “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.” 

Praying for God’s guidance doesn’t mean you can just say, "Lord, help me make the right decision," and get the answer immediately. While God’s wisdom is limitless, it helps to be specific in your prayers. Here’s how to guide your prayers when you're about to make a decision.

Choose the Right Prayer Points in Decision Making

There are many prayer points when it comes to making a decision. When praying about decisions, you can ask for:

• Wisdom to make the right choice
• Patience to prevent you from making rash decisions
• Direction on which way to go
• Protection from bad influences
• Peace after making a decision

Ask Yourself Questions

God offers guidance in many ways, especially if you do the work and take the time to evaluate your options. Here are three questions to ask yourself before committing to a decision.

What Does the Bible Say About the Topic?

The Bible is God's Word, which means you might find what God thinks about your decision in Scripture. If relevant, look for passages related to your decision and see what God says about it. If the Bible already answers your question, there's no doubt what you should choose.

Would a Wiser Person Agree With My Choice?

Sometimes, we need a second opinion when making a decision. Consult with a trusted mentor figure, like your parents, a pastor, or somebody else with more life experience – these people usually know you well and can provide useful input to assist in your decision-making.

Does This Decision Glorify God?

As Christians, we put God first before everything. If you keep this in mind, it’ll be clear when a decision glorifies God and when it doesn't. 

Read Bible Verses About Decision-Making

Scripture covers choices and decision-making in numerous verses. Read these verses if you need a guide to Biblical decision-making in marriage, family matters, and other things. 

• Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
• Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6: “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.”
• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Prayers for Guidance in Decision-Making

Praying is one of the best ways to receive God’s guidance, whether you’re looking for a new job or choosing a spouse. Here are some powerful prayers for discernment and decision-making:

Prayer for Wisdom

“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.”

Prayer for Patience

“Dear God, I come to You because I ask You for the patience to keep myself from making rash decisions. Give me the calmness and composure for every decision in my life, big or small. God, grant me patience even if the road seems long, and stop me from rushing my choices. Amen.”

Prayer for Direction

"Dear God, so many choices are laid out in front of me. Please grant me the Holy Spirit's direction and guidance to resolve this problem. It is through You that I know where to go, so I humbly request Your wisdom. Amen." 

Prayer for Protection From Bad Influences

“Dear God, I pray to You for protection from temptation and evil that may sway me from making the right decision. Reveal to me the righteous path and help me make a choice that You will approve. Amen.”

Prayer for Overcoming Uncertainty

"Dear God, I come to You in a difficult time. I am asked to make a major decision, but I don't know how to choose. My mind is clouded by uncertainty, and only You can remove this fog. Lord, I ask You to rid my heart of hesitation so that I can make the choice that glorifies You without any doubt. Amen."

Prayer for Making a Job Decision

“Dear God, You are the only one I seek guidance from. As I look to start a new career, please guide me through Your plan and give me the conviction to stay on Your path through whatever challenges my job will bring. I pray for Your constant presence and wisdom as I walk this career path. Amen.”

Prayer for Peace After Making a Decision

"Dear God, I have made a decision after counseling with You and those whose opinions I trust. Now that I've arrived at my final decision, I pray that You will bless the outcome and give me the strength to keep going and not look back at the things I can't change. I've followed Your guidance, and I ask You to prevent any negative consequences that result from my decision. Amen."

How to Trust God's Guidance

Regret and doubt are very common after making decisions, especially when they lead to bad or undesired outcomes. How do you keep believing that God is good and guides you in the right choices, even in the worst of circumstances? Here are some ways to build trust in His guidance and gain God’s peace in decision-making:

Read the Bible

The Bible records all the ways God helped His followers through difficult times. When you read the Bible, you’re reading reminders that God is trustworthy, no matter what. 

Admit Your Unbelief

It's okay to admit that our faith may falter from time to time since we're only human. Be honest with God and tell Him you have doubts about His guidance. By admitting your unbelief, you can start gathering the strength to overcome it.

Share Your Concerns With Your Community

You're never alone in dealing with your issues because God is always with you. But it's not just God – other Christians are there to help you, too. If you're struggling with your decisions, seek encouragement and advice from somebody you can trust. 

Spend More Time With God

God wants you to go to Him for every problem you have. However, God also wants you to come to Him simply to spend time with Him. 

Make time each day to connect with God, whether through prayer or reading the Bible. In time, you'll learn to make peace with your decisions and trust His guidance. Don't forget to always show gratitude to Him for His guidance and grace.

Think About the Good Things God Gave You

"Jesus, take the wheel" is a common phrase for a reason. As hard as it seems, you have to accept that you're not in control and put everything in God's hands. It may be challenging, but fully trusting God means you'll always be at peace with your decisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I want to know God's thoughts, the rest are details." Einstein