5 Prayers for Guidance as You Make Big Decisions

Bethany Verrett Writer
Updated Jan 23, 2024

Often, we need prayers for guidance. Navigating life is a series of rough roads, barely-visible forest paths, and choppy waters with periods of calm. Like a long road trip, the importance of making the right decision to go in the right direction with one’s morals, choices, and circumstances can lead to a godly life, one that will lead to the declaration from Jesus Christ, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Because humans live in time, experiencing it linearly, unable to change the past or see the future, making certain decisions can feel like everything rides on making the appropriate call. Of course, no one needs to consult the Bible or pray about what kind of sandwich to eat for lunch or what sweater to wear. Typically, seeking godly counsel from the Holy Spirit can help with big choices like moving, witnessing to a neighbor who may not be saved, or making other big life changes. Going to the Lord should be a Christian’s primary source for guidance, complemented by Scripture, and consulting godly brothers and sisters in the faith.

The Word is full of encouragement to the believer that God will guide those who ask Him. He gave Solomon wisdom when he asked for it. Paul encouraged the believers at the Church in Philippi, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Christians can seek guidance about anything.

Here are 5 prayers for guidance:

1. Prayers for Guidance about a Difficult Work Situation

Holy Father,

Thank you for your wisdom in all circumstances. Thank you for caring about us so much that you provided a job so I can work and pay my bills. Lord, right now I have difficulties in the office, and I need your help. I want to do the right thing, to glorify You with my words and my deeds in the workplace, especially for the sake of my coworkers who do not know You as their Lord and Savior. Help me know what to do to handle this situation appropriately, and in a way that does not compromise my walk and my witness.

Lord, I call to You as the Psalmist did, at an acceptable time in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me in your saving faithfulness. Help me to know if I should stay or go, how to address the problem, and I ask that you resolve this issue to Your glory.

In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ,

Amen.

2. Prayer for Guidance in a Relationship (Romantic or Friendship)

Holy Father,

Thank you for creating me. Thank you for giving me a heart that connects with other people, that needs others and can help others. Lord, right now, I need your guidance in this relationship in my life. Lord, I know I need to act in love with everyone, but sometimes I cannot communicate with someone, especially when their personality is different than mine. Lord, please give me ears to hear this person and a heart to understand them.

Help me to see them the way You do, to love them as You do, so that I can successfully navigate this situation and glorify Your Name through this relationship. I know it says in the Bible that we should attempt to live in peace with all men whenever possible, and I know it is particularly important for people You brought into my life. Help me to grow in this situation, to know how I should move forward, and what Your will is for this relationship.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen.

3. Prayers for Guidance about Picking a Church

Holy Father,

Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die so that I can have salvation and everlasting life. Thank you for the other believers in the world who can come alongside me for fellowship, discipleship, and accountability.

Lord, right now I need to find a body of believers. Help me to find the right church, with a good pastor who teaches sound doctrine, healthy worship, and wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. Guide me to a Sunday School for growth, to a place to serve, and a community. Help me to find a place where they spur one another toward love and good deeds, do not give up on meeting one another, and encourage each other, like it says a healthy church should do in the Bible. I ask that You guide me to a church where I can be sanctified.

In Jesus’ Name, I pray,

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia

4. Prayer for Guidance about Moving

Holy Father,

Thank you for guiding my steps, for knowing every detail of my life, and not failing me, even if I don’t always follow the path You have for me. Lord, I feel You may be leading me to relocate to another place to serve You and to spend a period of my life somewhere new to me. Help me to know if this really is Your will.

Your Word says we make plans, but You direct our steps. It also says that many are a man’s plans, but that Your will prevails. I want to be obedient to Your will and Your plans in all things, including where I live. If it is Your will for me to stay, I ask that You would give me peace. Or if it is Your will for me to move, that You would make the path straight.

In Your Name, I pray,

Amen.

5. Prayer for Guidance about a Call to Ministry

Holy Father,

Thank you for the love You have for each of Your children, that You have a plan for each of us, and that nobody is too small for Your notice. I also thank you that You call some to serve You with their life in ministry. Lord, I am wrestling with feelings that I may want to go into ministry, to serve in music, with preaching, or with a mission board. I want to take this possibility seriously, to love and obey You, and to serve You well.

Lord, send me peace and guidance about going into ministry. Am I one of the ones You called to be an apostle, a missionary, a pastor, or a teacher? If I am called, help me to walk in such a manner that I will not cause others to stumble, and equip me for the mission of my life. I pray that my life will be a testament to You.

In the name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.

It is a comfort to know that no matter what situation is going on in someone’s life, the Holy Spirit is always present for the believer to give guidance, and Christians always have access to God through prayer. Take encouragement from Scripture, knowing the Lord will always guide those who seek Him.

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21).

Prayer is a direct call to the captain of the ship, the Bible is the map, and the Spirit the compass, providing perfect guidance.

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.