Facing a hard choice, we often lack light. This page is for you if you have to decide, advise or lead, and want to do it God's way. The Bible promises that God gives wisdom to anyone who asks him in faith. Pray with humility, like Solomon, and be ready to listen.
Prayers
A Short Prayer to Ask for Wisdom
Father, I lack wisdom and I come to ask you for it. You promised to give it generously to those who seek it. Enlighten my mind and my conscience. Help me discern what is good, right and pleasing in your eyes. Keep me from haste and pride. Give me a listening heart, and the patience to wait for your direction. Thank you for not blaming me for my ignorance. May my life reflect your wisdom in small things as in great ones. I trust you, in Jesus' name. Amen.
James 1:5
A Prayer Inspired by Solomon's
Lord my God, like Solomon, I feel small before the task you entrust to me. I do not ask you for glory or fortune, but for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil. Teach me to listen before speaking, to seek counsel and to recognize my limits. Give me the humility to be wrong and to come back to you. May my decisions honor your name and serve those I am to lead or help. I count on you, Lord. Amen.
1 Kings 3:9
A Prayer for an Important Decision
Father, I have an important decision to make, and I do not know which way to choose. I place in your hands my plans, my fears and my preferences. I want to move forward according to your will, not only mine. Speak to me through your Word, through the peace of your Spirit and through the advice of wise people. Close the doors you do not want me to open, and open those that glorify you. I commit to trusting you even if the path is uncertain. Thank you for being my guide. In Jesus' name, amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Biblical proclamations
God gives me wisdom
« For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. »
Proverbs 2:6
I proclaim that the Lord gives me wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding that I need every day.
I trust in the Lord
« Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. »
Proverbs 3:5-6
I declare that I trust in the Lord with all my heart. I do not lean on my own understanding, and he makes my paths straight.
I walk in the fear of the Lord
« The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. »
Proverbs 9:10
I proclaim that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I choose to walk in this reverence that enlightens my understanding.
I am filled with spiritual knowledge
« We do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. »
Colossians 1:9
I declare that God fills me with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so I may walk worthy of the Lord.
The Spirit of wisdom rests upon me
« That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. »
Ephesians 1:17
I proclaim that the Father of glory gives me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. My spiritual eyes are enlightened.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask God for wisdom?
James 1:5 says it simply: if anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to all. Pray with faith, read Proverbs, seek advice from mature Christians, and act on what God shows you. Wisdom grows with obedience and time.
What is Solomon's prayer for wisdom?
At the start of his reign, Solomon asks God for "an understanding heart" to judge his people and to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). God is pleased with this request, because it sought neither riches nor glory. It is a beautiful model: asking to serve well rather than to get more.
How do I know if the answer comes from God?
Check that your decision agrees with the Bible, because God never contradicts himself. Look for inner peace, the counsel of mature people and the confirmation of circumstances. Take your time. If you doubt, pray more and wait. God guides those who trust him with all their heart.
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