A pathway of prayer for guidance

Lord, which way?  What do You want? How should I go? Which way is best? I’m crying out in prayer for guidance!

When was the last time you longed for flashing lights and arrows from the sky to point the way in your life? Maybe you faced a problem demanding a solution. Maybe a question plagued you for answers. Or maybe a need grew into a painful longing that required filling. When was the last time God brought you to your knees, or kept you on your knees, asking for divine guidance?

Jeff and I have done some wrestling in prayer this summer. The trouble with calling out for guidance is that we might not like the answer, might find the answer hard, or may discover the answer is painful. But it’s better than going our own way.  The wrong way. We would miss so much if we never prayed the bold prayer of asking for God to guide us, lead us, show us, steer us.

The prayer for guidance is a dangerous one. When was the last time you prayed it?

Maybe you’re in the middle of wrestling, hoping for flashing lights and arrows from the sky. Do you need guidance about a relationship? A job? A ministry? A college? A habit? A commitment? Do you crave a conclusion? An answer?

I’ve never seen the lights or arrows, but I’ve found a simple pathway of praying for God to guide me.

In today’s prayer focus, I want to share 5 Bible verses about guidance, along with a prayer prompter to help you use these powerful words of God Himself. Scripture is full of pleas for guidance, because men have needed direction ever since they were sent out of the garden to find their way. We’ve been groping around ever since. God’s word is a mighty weapon for praying with power. At the end, I invite you to download a printable version.

Pray for Understanding

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
• Lord, help me to understand the real need to be met, the true question to answer, or the genuine problem to solve. I want to trust in You, instead of leaning on my limited perspective.

Pray for Counsel

• “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
• Father, would you direct me to reliable counselors who can help guide me to Your best for me? Provide wise people who fear You and will help me to sort through the information and options.

Pray for Examination

• “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)
• O Lord, I invite you to examine my heart. There’s nothing hidden from You, and I want You to evaluate my thoughts and show me if I harbor any wrong motives. Steer me in ways that please You.

Pray for Direction

• “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
• Dear God, I’m moving forward with plans according to how I believe You’ve given me understanding, counsel, and conviction. If I’m moving in a wrong way, would You redirect me, and would You open doors to move me toward Your desires?

Pray for Perseverance

• “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)
• Lord God, I believe You’ve shown me what You desire and given me a clear path to follow. I know that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Help me fix my eyes on what You have laid out before me, keep my progress sure, and make me steadfast to resist distractions or discouragements. Give me strength to pursue what You have provided. I’m grateful You have provided guidance.