As a spouse, there are times when you need to know how to confront your mate. This can be in regards to an issue at work, an addiction or even something that affects the family as a whole. The Bible refers to these situations as “privacy” and how we should handle them: 1 Corinthians 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” To help with this tough issue, here is a prayer for wisdom and discernment in dealing with your mate about their struggles and journey towards wholeness.
Things didn’t get easier as she grew. Soon, I saw her strong will come to the surface. Mom versus child battles became the norm. Potty training felt like torture. Fatigue made things worse. Oh, and then I birthed another baby.
We often pray to God for wisdom, but do we ever ask why? Or is it just that “He knows best.” Today I want to talk about prayer for discernment in relationships, prayer for protection and guidance, prayer for wisdom and discernment in scripture, why we should pray for wisdom, and how it can help us with our life decisions.
Fast-forward thirteen years. I still feel overwhelmed much of the time. Raising children, making decisions, dreaming about the future—it all feels shaky and uncertain. In the middle of the unknown, God’s Word breathes hope.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV).
I first discovered the hope found in James 1:5 in those early days of sleepless nights and fitful days. While it was not the first time I read it, it was the first time I felt so desperate for the wisdom it promised. It felt as if God said to me, “If you feel lost, ask me for the way home.”
I began praying for wisdom, and I haven’t stopped. Too often, I try to figure things out on my own and find myself in an unsolvable situation. Sometimes I am stubborn and try every option before I ask God for wisdom. Then I remember the instructions from James. I turn to God for wisdom and let me tell you, he is completely gracious and never holds back.
How to Pray for Wisdom Using Scripture
When I’m not sure how to pray for wisdom, Scripture provides the words for me. I am in the process of putting together notecards of Scripture-based prayers for wisdom. I thought I would share some with you, just in case you are in the middle of overwhelmed and uncertain like me. Just ask; God will answer.
Start with James 1:5.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV).
Lord, you say if I ask for wisdom, you will give it to me. I am desperate for your divine wisdom. You know all, see all, and understand all. Guide me now with your wisdom.
Follow up with some of these verses.
“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” (Prov. 2:10-11 NLT)
Lord, I need the kind of wisdom that comes from you. Please grant me both wisdom and knowledge. Guide my choices. I do not want to step outside of your will or act against your commands. Guide me, and keep me safe.
“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chron. 1:10 NIV)
Lord, in order to be a good [leader, parent, employer, small group leader, minister], I need your wisdom and knowledge. Grant me this request so that I may lead your people according to your wise counsel.
“But [only] with Him are [perfect] wisdom and might; He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding.” (Job 12:13, AMP)
Father, I confess that I often look for answers everywhere but in you and your Word. You alone have the perfect answer for every situation. I need your counsel now. Bless me with understanding as I seek to find the answers in you.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom. 11:33 ESV)
God, the depths of your wisdom and knowledge are unfathomable! You alone possess the treasures of wisdom. I cannot find it anywhere but you. Because your ways are perfect, I seek to follow them now. Show me your ways that I may follow them.
“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.” (Jam. 3:17 NLT)
Lord, I know when I seek your wisdom, I walk the righteous path. Instead of strife, I find peace. I am gentle with others instead of harsh. Your wisdom guides me in fruitful living. This is the kind of life I long to live. Fill me now with your wisdom that I may honor you with my life.
Praying God’s Word is a powerful practice. We see in these verses that he alone possesses perfect and complete wisdom. Use the words he gives us to ask for wisdom. James 1:5 promises he will not hold out on us!
Throughout Scripture we are reminded of God’s direction over our lives. He is our good Shepherd who leads us if we we would look to Him for guidance. The Bible teaches us that God’s plan leads to joy and contentment. When we pray for God’s guidance and for discernment through the Holy Spirit, we can rest assured that God will provide wisdom! We do not have to worry about our next step or about tomorrow because we know who guides our way! Do not rush your day without going before God to seek guidance.
A Short Prayer for Guidance
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect, Lord. Thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Kristine Brown
Prayer for Wisdom
As we begin to take steps in the direction of our purpose, we ask that you give us wisdom. We ask in faith, that as your Word promises us, that you will give us wisdom in every small and large decision as we step into our purpose. We thank you that we don’t have to rely on our own understanding, as we know that your wisdom will guide us to our exact purpose. Thank you that we can come to the throne and ask anything. We ask for your guidance, and we thank you for the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen. – Alisha Headley, Prayers for Finding Purpose
God, I Need You
Dear Lord, I need You today. I need Your direction. Your counsel. And I need Your wisdom. I believe that You, the Counselor, are in me. Guide me today in Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Anne Graham Lotz
Prayer for Direction
We thank you that even though we have our own idea of how our life should look, often setting out according to our plans, that your ultimate purpose prevails. We ask that you prompt us when we set out to make plans that we make them according to your will, and not our own. We ask that you remind us to come alongside you as we surrender every detail to fulfill your greater purpose. Please align our hearts with yours, our ideas with yours, and our will with yours. For your ways are higher than ours and your plans are greater than ours, and nothing is impossible with you. Lead us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen. – Alisha Headley, Prayers for Finding Purpose
Prayer for Guidance from the Holy Spirit
Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen – Kenny Luck
A Prayer for Guidance When Life is Challenging
Lord, I’m here today with open hands and an open heart, ready to depend on you to help me through the day and all it will bring my way. Help me be like Nehemiah, help me come to you for guidance, strength, provision, and protection. As I face tough choices and hard situations, help me remember my belovedness, help me remember that I am Your child and Your representative to the world around me. Help me live today in a way that brings honor to Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Charles Stanley
A Prayer for Uncertainties
Father, my heart is filled with fear. It seems like I am drowning in the uncertainties of my life. Lord, help me to surrender my fears to You. Strengthen me to face each one and walk through it, knowing that You are with me. I choose to trust You and doubt my fears. I choose against stress and for peace. I choose You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen. – Mary Southerland
PRAYER FOR DISCERNMENT IN RELATIONSHIPS:
We pray that You would help us to know how to relate to people and situations in our lives. Help us to be discerning so that we may always do what is best for ourselves and others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE:
Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping me safe from harm and danger. Please protect me from all evil forces that seek to harm my body, mind and soul. I give you all the glory for protecting me from harm today and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT IN SCRIPTURE:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Scripture which has been a source of wisdom and guidance for me throughout my life. Thank you for inspiring men like Moses who were able to write down Your word in such a way that it speaks not only to our hearts but also our minds and souls as well as our bodies. Thank you for giving us this wonderful gift of Scripture so that we may be edified and strengthened in our faith through its study. Help me today as I read Your word