Saying prayers for guidance should not be our last resort but our first course of action.
Our God is more significant than all our fears, worries, and shortcomings.
He is with us always, so let us seek His guidance and wisdom in everything we do.
Let’s admit it.
When we make decisions, we don’t pray and ask for God’s direction and wisdom first.
Nope, we’d consult with the people around us and deduce which options we ‘think’ are the best among them.
Most of the time, when we ‘think’ we know what’s best, it’s because it seems like that option has the most favorable outcome.
But let us not forget that our Father God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present.
His guidance, wisdom, and direction should be and will always be the best.
Prayer for guidance shouldn’t be the last resort; it should be our first course of action.
As we delve into this article, let us teach our hearts and minds to depend only on God.
As God said in Jeremiah 29:11, only He knows His plans for each of us.
So, who better to ask guidance from than God?
I hope that we take the time to learn how to speak a prayer for guidance and learn to trust in God’s instructions and directions (Proverbs 3:5-6).
What is a Prayer for Guidance?
God’s guidance can take many forms.
When we receive God’s directions and teachings, we open our hearts and surrender our own understanding.
Our almighty God has also sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and remind us of God’s instructions and promises (John 14:26).
Isaiah 58:11 reminds us that our almighty God is always with us.
We make decisions and plans daily, which is why we need to say our prayers for guidance from God.
Matthew 7:7-8 says, if it lacks wisdom and guidance, ask, pray, and God will provide.
We depend on God’s direction and counsel whenever we say a short prayer for advice.
By doing so, we are placing our trust in God, thus letting go of our worries about the unknown.
But we must also learn and practice that asking for God’s wisdom shouldn’t be on a case-to-case basis.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God first before anything else.
So, let us make it a habit of praying for guidance in everything we do!
Why Should We Say Prayers for Guidance?
Our reasons to ask for God’s guidance and wisdom are limitless, but here is a list that sums it up:
For strength to trust in God’s plan
Following and trusting in God’s plan is never easy.
God’s plans go beyond our understanding.
Most of the time, we would opt to give them up in exchange for comfort and familiarity.
But when we read the Bible and pray, tons of blessings and promises come with trusting God.
Besides guidance and salvation, we also gain strength, courage (Isaiah 12:2), and protection from our enemies (Psalm 25:2).
We can never honestly know or fathom the greatness of God’s plan in our lives.
Only if we receive God’s guidance will He give us wisdom to know all the truth and holy truth.
So, let us take the necessary steps to trust God, and one is to read God’s word.
Teach our hearts and minds to be still and know that God has already taken care of our fears and worries because His plans were never to bring us harm but to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Guidance and wisdom in making wise decisions
We will never really know what is right from wrong unless we ask for prayers for guidance from God.
Remember what Proverbs 3:5-6 has taught us.
Let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts, put Him first before anything else, and God will make our paths straight.
His guiding light will lead us to where we should go, so there is no need to worry.
Let Him speak instruction to us, especially in uncertain times.
If that isn’t enough for you, God has also given us the good and perfect gift of wisdom and understanding, counsel, and might (Isaiah 11:2).
Because of the fear of the Lord, we can make decisions that are pleasing to God.
Through His wisdom and guidance, other people’s opinions become background noise.
For direction and clarity when life is challenging
Life is and will always be challenging.
More so, without God’s guidance and wisdom, it would be like navigating through a maze with a blindfold.
Besides, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 32:8, and Psalm 37:23-24 can also be helpful reminders.
Simply put, we are never alone.
Time and time again, God has reminded us that He will always be with His people.
As Psalm 46:5 says, when we are in His presence, we won’t ever fail because God is with us.
Let our faith be anchored only to Christ Jesus.
So take refuge and pray to God.
In Him, we have peace and faith when we need comfort and rest, and we only seek strength that comes from Him alone (Psalm 46:1).
With God, we have nothing left to fear (Psalm 46:2).
For direction on connections and relationships
We know that besides the Bible, God uses the people around us to convey His teachings and reminders.
It’s essential to pray for guidance in major decisions we make when relationships are also involved.
We should also say our prayers for guidance to lead us to people who would help us improve and grow (Proverbs 19:20-21).
Let us ask God to give us wisdom and discernment to choose people who yearn for God’s will.
Because only God knows our hearts’ desires, let us ask for prayers for guidance that ensures our precious time is not wasted.
Let God provide wisdom and peace so we can walk closer with people on the right path and not be deceived (1 Corinthians 15:33).
What to Ask in a Prayer for Guidance?
When faced with a major decision and feeling lost in life’s uncertainty, prayer becomes our refuge, offering gentle grace and holy truth.
Our prayers are never wasted and always heard.
We can always turn to God for guidance in life to avoid wrong turns in our directions and decisions.
Guidance from the Holy Spirit
The Bible is our daily bread, and it teaches us that the Holy Spirit guides us to the truth, which is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:13).
The Holy Spirit teaches us to speak holy truth about our Lord Jesus Christ and how to live the life that exalts God’s name.
The Spirit also guides us to our purpose in life.
When we seek God first, God will bless us with tools and gifts that will help prepare us for our calling.
Let us receive the Holy Spirit, Lord, with joy and praise.
But because of our sins and desires, it can be difficult to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Yet when we confess and repent of our sins, we allow the Spirit to guide us once again (Galatians 5:16).
Guidance when life is changing
Life is constantly changing; nothing besides God is constant.
So, instead, let us embrace the change and the challenges that come with it.
Let us hold firm on God’s promises and readily ask for His guidance, strength, provision, and protection.
Always remember that we have hope and a future through God when we put our trust in Him (Jeremiah 29:11).
Proverbs 23:18 reassures us that God has a definitive plan for us, so let us not be afraid and discouraged.
Confidently ask for God’s guidance and release our worries unto Him.
Guidance in the day ahead
A new day gives us a chance at a new beginning.
As much as we must pray for God’s guidance for the day, we should also lay down our residual regrets from the day before.
Remind ourselves that God has forgiven us of our mistakes and shortcomings and blessed us with another day to learn from them.
Start the day by thanking Him for a new day to bask in His presence and love.
Pray that with the latest opportunities,
God’s guidance is resonant and transparent in our hearts so that we grow to be the people God has made us be.
Then, let our worries go so that we may set our minds on a higher calling.
Ask that God help us set aside our desires and replace them with His so that we can serve Him and give it our all.
Discernment and wisdom to hear God’s direction
God places people in our lives that He will use to guide us in the direction He wants us to go.
Thus, we should pray for God to help us discern His voice through the people whom God is using to guide us.
Ask that God teach our hearts to be sensitive to His voice above others and ourselves.
Let us also pray that despite how hard the circumstances may get, let it not take our hearts and minds away from our primary purpose.
Pray that God helps us use our hardships so that we may draw closer to His presence.
Bible Verses About God’s Guidance
When we do not know what or how to pray for guidance, let these scriptures be our guide.
Jeremiah 42:3
“Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”
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.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
1 Chronicle 28:20
David also said to Solomon, his son, “Be strong and courageous and do the work.
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
James 1:5
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.
Psalm 5:11-12
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Luke 22:40
On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
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.
6 Powerful Prayers for Guidance from our Heavenly Father
Prayers for Guidance
Heavenly Father, we come to you in prayer to ask for guidance.
Lead us, Father God, to where we should go and guide us to what we should do.
Please continue to teach our hearts to trust in You always.
Help us seek first your kingdom before anything else.
Lay down our worries about everything else because You will always provide for us.
Continue to use us for Your will, O Lord, direct our paths and bless us with confidence to follow through.
In Jesus name, amen.
Prayer to trust in God’s plan
Dear God, we would like to ask for forgiveness for the times when we neglected Your guidance and leading.
We ask that You continue to unveil Your plans for our lives.
Continue to teach us to trust in Your timings and have faith because only You know our end and our beginning.
Please give us the patience to listen to Your voice and instructions and remind us that it is God’s will to be done, not ours.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer for strength
Lord, in times of trial and anguish or when I am already tired and weary, please, God, bless me with strength that comes from You alone.
Command me, O Lord, as you have David, Joshua, and Solomon, who are strong and courageous.
Please help me cast away my fears, worries, and insecurities and strengthen my faith so that I will not be discouraged and afraid to do the work you have given me.
Continue to remind me, O Lord, that You are with me always.
In Jesus name, amen.
Prayer for wisdom
Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for wisdom that comes from Your throne.
Please bless us with insight to tell us which path we should take and what decision to make.
Help us make wise decisions that will exalt your name and make you glad in us.
We thank you, O Lord, for always providing for our needs.
We know You are all-knowing, but we continue to thank You for allowing us to come to You in prayer to ask despite it all.
In Jesus name, amen.
Prayer for protection
Dear God, we come to you today in thanksgiving for being our shield and comfort during our times of trouble.
We thank You for reminding us to take refuge in You, sheltering us, and surrounding us with Your favor.
Father God, we come to you again in prayer to ask for protection and seek guidance.
Help us keep true to God’s promises so that we may not fall into temptation and the lies of earthly life.
Help us also deny ourselves and fill our hearts with Your love and God’s wisdom so that we may set our hearts and minds to follow Your will.
In Jesus name, amen.
Prayer for thanksgiving
Dear God, we thank you for your abundant blessings in our lives.
Your goodness and faithfulness are beyond measure, and we are grateful for the many ways you provide for us each day.
As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
May we always have hearts full of gratitude and recognize your hand at work in every aspect of our lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Summary
Our prayer for guidance should not be our last resort; it should be our first course of action.
Before we do anything else, before we start a new task, let us first come to prayer and ask God to move and guide us.
As Matthew 6:33 says, when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.
I know there are times when it is difficult to determine which leading is from God and which isn’t.
But then, this should encourage us to strive harder to seek God’s presence and calling.
God’s work in our lives isn’t finished unless He deems it so.
Until then, let us remain faithful and exemplify God’s love and gentle grace to others.
