Regardless of our age, education, or the amount of years we have walked with God, all of us can desperately lack wisdom and knowledge in the day and age that we live. Amidst the technology, politics, and social media, it becomes harder to understand how to apply biblical values and principles to today’s issues. The world spins rapidly around us and it is easy to be left behind. We all know something is missing. The questions linger…Where is God in this? Where does God fit in political debates? How do I know what to think about new developments in healthcare? What do I do when family/friends/colleagues are walking a different path than mine? If you have been struggling with answers to these questions then this course was written for you!
Right here, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on How to Pray for Wisdom Using Scripture, short prayer for guidance and wisdom, prayer for wisdom and knowledge for my daughter, prayer for knowledge and strength and prayer for knowledge and success. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
prayer for wisdom and knowledge
In the first few months of motherhood, I felt completely in over my head. Being the oldest of four children, the mechanics of caring for a child were not new to me. However, being completely responsible for a baby around the clock was a shock. Add in postpartum hormones and the shift from full-time employee to full-time mother, and I was sinking.
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.
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.
Prayer for knowledge and strength
O Lord, bless us with light of your knowledge, that we may love you with all our hearts and minds. Let our thoughts be pure and holy. Strengthen our will so that we may always follow your commandments. Teach us to be wise in the ways of the world, so that we can continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. Give us insight into the ways of science, philosophy and theology so that we may learn from them as well as teach others. Teach us what is good and right so that we may be able to discern between them. And when we are tempted by evil things or people, deliver us from temptation through your grace and power. Amen
How to Pray for Wisdom Using Scripture
“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.
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.
“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.
Short prayer for guidance and wisdom
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 wisdom and knowledge
O Lord, grant me wisdom and knowledge. Open my eyes that I may see the truth, and set a watch before my mouth that I may refrain from speaking evil. Give me understanding to learn Your statutes, and give me discernment to understand Your laws. Teach me to do what is right, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For it is You who blesses the righteous man with favor and does not abandon him when he commits sin. O Lord, grant me wisdom and knowledge.”
Prayer for knowledge and strength
“O Lord, you know that I am a sinner, but I believe in your mercy. Save me, O Lord, from pride and the desire to be better than others. Open my heart to your word and fill it with wisdom. Teach me to live according to your commandments. Give me courage to confess my sins and trust in your mercy.”
Prayer for knowledge and success
“Lord Jesus Christ, you know that I desire to do your will wholeheartedly during this day. Give me the grace of faith, hope and love so that I may persevere until death in doing good works.”
Prayer for wisdom and knowledge in the bible
“God our Father, we thank you for giving us the gift of faith through baptism. Help us to grow in knowledge of your Son Jesus Christ who leads us into all truth by his Spirit living within us. May we be inspired by his teachings of true life; may we find our fulfillment in doing his will; may we have eternal life with him through the power of his cross.”