Making important decisions is hard on our own. That’s why God is there to help us– we were not designed to do everything on our own, but everything through Him. We are stronger when we do things with God, says Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We should use prayer to help us make Godly decisions; ones that are congruent with His will and plans for our lives.
When we do pray for help making decisions and what God would like us to do, how do we know that it is God who answers us and not the enemy or ourselves?
This blog answers the following questions:
- How can prayer help us make important decisions?
- How do we discern God’s will from our own?
- Are there ways to pray for His guidance?
Read on and learn about how to use prayer in Godly decision-making!
How can prayer help us with decision-making?
Firstly, remember that prayer is the greatest weapon we have in our spiritual arsenal. It is a proactive strategy, offering moments of peace, reflection, and connection with Him. Sometimes, the decisions we face may have grave consequences and be complex. This is where prayer can offer clarity and level-headedness to help us think logically and with a level head. Courage and strength are a natural byproduct of prayer, as it serves as a reminder that God is behind us all the way.
Pray for guidance knowing He will never leave nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6); “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.” Furthermore, Isaiah confirms that God protects you in verse 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Hence, even in the valley of the shadow of death, he will keep you.
The best part? God says he will guide you, with joy and life in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
How do I pray for His guidance?
Asking God for help doesn’t have to be a big and complex thing. Accordingly, James 1:5 says all you have to do is ask: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Here are some ways you can use God’s word and prayer to help you make decisions.
Consult the Word
Firstly, check the best resource we have to liaise with the Holy Spirit: His Word. Many things are outlined in the Bible, like how we should treat our neighbours, the poor, and how to avoid immorality. Should your decision contradict His Word, you will know what the right choice is. Think of it like a safety check.
Pray in the Spirit
One way to connect directly with God is by speaking His language– the spirit, or tongues. “For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious,” from 1 Corinthians 14:2.
When you pray in tongues, you are speaking God’s will and love back to Him. Your mind leaves, unable to get in the way, and your spirit connects with Him. This is an incredibly powerful thing for decision-making. You will feel what is right in your spirit.
Check with other believers you trust
Moreover, Proverbs 19:20 tells us to “get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” Likewise, in Hebrews 13:17, we’re told, “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them a reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
So, consult with your church elders, mentor, life group leader, or prayer partner. Chances are, they have a deeper understanding of His Word and can offer guidance according to His Will, referencing scripture or going over the pros and cons in an honouring way.
Moreover, God also says that praying together is incredibly powerful in Matthew 18:19-20: “Again, I give you an eternal truth: If two of you agree to ask God for something in a symphony of prayer, my heavenly Father will do it for you. For wherever two or three come together in honour of my name, I am right there with them!” In Proverbs 11:14, God says “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.”
How do we discern God’s will from our own?
Sometimes, discerning God’s will from our wishful thinking can be tricky. A lot of us know we should listen to that small, inner voice in our heart that is the Holy Spirit, where God can direct us with a strong desire for something. How do we know the difference between the Holy Spirit’s voice and our own inner monologue? How do we tell what God has planned for us from what we want to happen?
Interestingly, the most surefire way to know whether a decision is of God is to check if it brings you peace. Colossians 3:15 urges us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” When you’ve made the right decision, even if it’s overwhelming, you will feel that deep peace that only the Holy Spirit gives. Besides searching for what gives you peace, check the Word for what God has to say. The combination of these two methods is a great medium to get you on your way to the right decision.
By asking others for guidance, checking the Word, feeling for peace, and praying in the Spirit, you are more likely to make a Godly decision aligned with His plans for hope and a future. If you need help praying through an important decision, get in touch with Need Prayer. Our team is here to pray with you all day, every day.
Submit your prayer request and we’ll get back to you ASAP.