# Prayers for guidance

Four short prayers for when you need to decide. Each names the passages it rests on, from Proverbs 3, James 1 and the Psalms.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/prayers/guidance. Scripture quotations are from the Lumin Translation. These prayers are not Scripture; each names the passages it draws on.

## Prayers

### For wisdom

One line, before you think it through.

> God, I lack wisdom, so I am asking. You give generously. Give me what I need to choose well. Amen.

Draws on [James 1:5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/james/1#5).

### Before a decision

When you have two paths and no clear answer.

> Lord, I trust you with all my heart and I will not lean on my own understanding alone. Show me what is wise. Bring the right advice from people who know me. Close the doors that should be closed. Then give me peace to take the step. Amen.

Draws on [Proverbs 3:5-6](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/3#5-6) and [Proverbs 15:22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/15#22).

### For the next step

When you can’t see far ahead.

> Father, your word is a lamp for my feet. I don’t need to see the whole road. Show me the next step, and help me take it. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 119:105](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/119#105).

### Afraid of choosing wrong

When fear of a mistake keeps you stuck.

> God, I am afraid of getting this wrong. You work all things together for good for those who love you, even my mistakes. Free me from needing to be certain. Help me choose in love and trust you with the rest. Amen.

Draws on [Romans 8:28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/romans/8#28) and [Proverbs 16:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/16#9).

## Bible verses for guidance

- **[Proverbs 3:5-6](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/3#5-6)**: “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths smooth.” Trust in the Lord, and he will make your paths straight.
- **[James 1:5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/james/1#5)**: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let that person ask God for it. He gives to everyone freely and without scolding, and wisdom will be given to them.” If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously.
- **[Psalm 32:8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/32#8)**: “I will make you wise and teach you the path to take; I will give you counsel, keeping my eye on you.” I will instruct you and teach you the way to go.
- **[Proverbs 16:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/16#9)**: “A person’s heart plans their way, but Yahweh makes their steps firm.” A person plans their way, the Lord directs their steps.
- **[Psalm 119:105](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/119#105)**: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Your word is a lamp for my feet.

More: [What the Bible says about wisdom](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/wisdom).

## Questions

### How do I know God’s will for a decision?

Christians disagree on how specific God’s guidance is. Most agree on the basics: pray, read Scripture, ask wise people who know you, look at what is open in front of you, and choose what is loving and right. God’s will is not a hidden puzzle you can fail to solve.

### Can I change the words of these prayers for guidance?

Yes. They are a place to start, not a formula. Use your own words, add names, or pray just one line. God hears the prayer, not the wording.

### Who wrote these prayers?

Lumin wrote them from the passages named under each prayer. They are not Scripture. Every reference is checked against the Bible text each time the site is built. The verses are quoted from the Lumin Translation, so you can open each one and read it in context.