To pray for guidance, name the decision in front of you and ask God for wisdom in it, then stay open to the answer coming slowly, through Scripture, through people, or through the next plain step. Few people get a clear sign. Most get enough light for one step and have to take it.
When you have a decision to make
Lord, here's the choice in front of me. You know what I want, and You know what I'm afraid of. Give me wisdom, and help me to recognize it when it comes. Amen.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
James 1:5 (KJV)
"Upbraideth not" means He doesn't scold you for asking. You can bring the same question back as often as you need to.
When you can't see the way ahead
God, I can't see around this corner. I'd like the whole map. Show me the next step, and help me to take it. Amen.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
When you feel stuck
Father, I've been standing in the same place for a long time. If I should stay, give me patience. If I should move, give me courage. Amen.
When you want God's answer more than your own
Lord, I already have a preferred answer and You know it. Loosen my grip on it. I'd like to want what's good more than what's comfortable. Amen.
When you need wise people around you
God, put someone in my path who will tell me the truth kindly. Help me to listen, even if it's not what I wanted to hear. Amen.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
Three questions to bring to prayer
- What does Scripture already say about this?
- Who knows me well enough to give an honest opinion?
- What's the next right step, even if I can't see the one after it?
Write your answers down and pray over them for a few days. If the waiting is the hard part, read Bible verses about God's timing. If the silence is, read what to do when God feels quiet.
For the week you're waiting on a decision, this card is a short reminder of what to do in the meantime. Fig Devotional is a daily devotional for iPhone: a verse, a prayer and one small action, ending in a card like this one. Its guides are illustrated characters and its reflections are written with AI.
Common questions
How do I pray for guidance?
Name the decision, tell God what you're afraid of, ask for wisdom, and then keep going with what you already know is right. James 1:5 invites anyone who lacks wisdom to ask God for it.
What is a short prayer for wisdom?
Try this: Lord, I don't know what to do. Give me wisdom, and help me to recognize it. Amen.
How do I know if a decision is God's will?
Christians usually weigh several things together: what Scripture says, prayer, wise counsel from people who know you, and the circumstances in front of you. Most people don't get certainty, so it can help to take the wisest next step you can see.
What if I pray for direction and hear nothing?
That is a common experience. Keep praying, ask someone you trust, and do the next right thing. See our article on what to do when God feels quiet.