Making important decisions can be incredibly difficult. We often face crossroads in life that force us to choose between two or more complex options, not knowing which path will lead to blessing or hardship.
In those uncertain moments, we can rely on prayer for guidance and discernment from God. He promises to guide and instruct us if we ask. Through seeking Him first, we can have confidence to make decisions that align with His purposes for our lives.
This prayer resource is meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face critical decision making. I’ve included 10 prayers for guidance in decisions – everything from hearing God’s voice to discerning His will for your life.
What Does the Bible Say About Decision Making?
God’s Word offers much wisdom when it comes to making decisions. Here are some key verses:
- “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” (James 1:5). God wants us to come boldly before His throne of grace when facing decisions.
- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). As we renew our thinking in Scripture, we’ll gain greater clarity in decision making.
- “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). God promises to direct us when we commit all our ways to Him.
No matter what decision you’re facing today, you can have confidence that God cares and has wisdom to guide you each step of the way. Now let’s look at 10 powerful prayers for making decisions.
1. Prayer for Guidance and Direction
Dear God, I need Your wisdom and guidance right now as I face difficult decisions. Please help me to make choices that align with Your will for my life. Give me clarity as I carefully weigh options—show me which paths lead to blessing or hardship. I trust that You will speak clearly and guide me along the best road. Thank You for Your endless love and for promising to instruct me at every turn.
2. Prayer for Wisdom in Decision Making
Father God, I desire to make decisions today rooted in Your wisdom. You tell us in James 1 that when we lack wisdom, we can ask You for it. Please God, I need that heavenly wisdom now. As I evaluate my options – [briefly state them] – I ask for discerning guidance. Show me the opportunities You want me to take. Lead me down the right paths. I know that You have a purpose for my life and that You work in all things for good. Give me Your mind, I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
3. Prayer for Hearing God’s Voice
Lord, as I face this decision, I still my heart to listen for Your voice. Calm all anxiety within me and help me tune out other voices vying for my attention. I want to hear Your gentle whisper guiding me. Please clearly reveal the next steps You want me to take. Give me discernment by Your Holy Spirit. Open my ears to recognize Your voice among many. I am listening expectantly for You. Thank You for being my Good Shepherd and lovingly leading me along Your chosen path for my life.
4. Prayer for Patience and Guidance
God, I know that You have a plan for my life. But as I’m facing this big decision, I’m struggling with patience. Instead of anxiously trying to figure everything out in my timing, I want to quietly wait on You. Give me the patience to pause and seek Your will instead of barreling ahead on my own agenda. You promise in Your Word to instruct, teach and guide me if I allow You to. I believe You have my best interest in mind – that Your way will lead to life and peace. So I will strive to wait and trust You fully, even when the way forward seems fuzzy. Thank You for Your promise to make my paths straight as I commit my decisions to You.
5. Prayer to Discern God’s Will
Heavenly Father, I desire for my life’s path to align with Your perfect will, not my own. As decisions arise, give me discernment to recognize which option best lines up with Your good, pleasing and perfect purposes. Open my eyes to see opportunities You want me to take. Closing doors to options that don’t align with Your will for me. Make Your voice so clear that choosing Your desires becomes second nature to me. Give me wisdom and revelation in all spiritual matters as Your word instructs. Remove any confusion or deceit. Instruct me with more clarity than I have ever known before. I trust You to show me Your will because I know Your heart is good.
6. Prayer for Wise Decision Making
Father God, as I evaluate options before me, I ask for Your wisdom and revelation to make sound decisions. Guard me against rash choices made in haste or under pressure. When tensions rise, center my mind on Christ Jesus so heavenly minded that I have perfect peace to hear Your voice. As wonderful counselor, guide me in asking discerning questions to weigh the pros and cons. Show me where compromises can be made and where lines should be drawn. Lead me in negotiations so that they yield outcomes that please You. Thank You for being the source of all wisdom, blessing and favor!
7. Prayer Before Making Major Life Decisions
Lord God, I stand today at a crossroads needing to make major choices that will impact my life’s direction. The weight of this pending decision feels so heavy, and honestly, I’m struggling to know what steps to take next. I desperately need You to guide my thinking. Show me where opportunities lie and open the right doors needed for them to unfold in Your perfect timing. Most of all, steady my anxious heart, Lord. Remind me that my life is ultimately in Your hands. Quiet my inner turmoil with Your truth – that You work in all things together for my good because I love You and have been called according to Your purposes. Thank You for being my rock and comfort in the midst of life’s storms.
8. Prayer for Seeking God’s Help in Making a Tough Decision
Lord, tough decisions loom before me, and I need Your help making the right call. My tendency is to lean on my own understanding instead of trusting Your heart toward me is good. I repent for self-sufficiency and for lacking faith in Your sovereign control over my life. Forgive me for anxiety and impatience that blocks me from hearing Your still, small voice of comfort. Open my ears to Your living word. Give me understanding through Your precepts and counsel. Clear my sight to see opportunities You want me to take. I believe that You will lead me along the very best path of blessing as I commit this decision process fully into Your hands.
9. Prayer for Seeking God’s Guidance through Scripture
Father, as I search Your Word for wisdom and revelation about this decision, quiet my soul to hear freshly from You. Open my eyes to see new truths emerge from Scripture. Remind me of examples of others who faced similar crossroads and sought Your guidance. What can I learn from their stories? Give me “aha” moments as I study Your living, active Word – seeing how biblical truths align to my situation. Let Scripture guide my thoughts and shape my choices today. Ultimately I want to follow You by faith wherever You lead. Give me courage to take bold Kingdom risks that bring You glory.
10. Prayer for God to Reveal His Will in Confusing Times
Lord, when faced with critical choices in confusing times, I can become quickly overwhelmed. Anxiety rises, uncertainties plague my thoughts, and I struggle to know what step to take next on my own. I desperately need Your wisdom and revelation, Father! Please open my eyes to see Your will clearly. Reveal the opportunities You have ordained just for me to take. Show me where compromise is permissible versus where clear boundaries should be drawn around decisions that violate Your principles. Ultimately I want to choose Your way, even if it’s the harder, narrower path to walk. Thank You for promising to instruct and counsel me along life’s journey as I seek You first above all else.
No matter what decision you face today – big or small, complex or clear – I encourage you to continually seek God in prayer. He is gracious to reveal His heart. He loves leading us into blessings He has prepared for those who love Him. Now that’s definitely a path worth taking!