Scriptures You Can Pray for Guidanceනියැදිය

The Knower of Hearts

When you make an important decision in life, do you ask the Lord for guidance first? Perhaps you seek wisdom in Scripture, then pray. After Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended to heaven, the disciples and members of the early church made a habit of seeking God’s will in prayer.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus chose twelve disciples to be His apostles—close friends who would travel with Him, eat and pray together, and learn from His teachings. When it was time for God’s salvation plan to be completed with Jesus paying the debt for our sins on the cross, one of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus. Yet Judas’s betrayal was a part of God’s salvation plan.

When Peter announced that it was time for the church to choose another one of Jesus’s followers to replace Judas to become the twelfth apostle, they naturally sought the Lord through prayer. The disciples cast lots, and Matthias became the twelfth apostle. Later, God added other apostles, such as Paul and Barnabas, to their number. While all of the disciples spread the gospel, the apostles specifically were sent on missions to do so.

We do not draw lots today. Rather, we turn to God’s Word in the Bible. The Holy Spirit also dwells within our hearts, helping us as we seek to live according to God’s plan.

God has given us His Word, with directions on how to live righteously in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Scripture is a valuable gift to us, helping us understand His will for us and make wise choices. The Holy Spirit is faithful to make us uncomfortable with poor decisions and to put us at peace with good ones. Though God allows us a great deal of freedom in the choices we make in our lives, it is still wise to seek God in prayer before we make important decisions. There are times when our plan may seem good, but God’s purpose for our lives is always better.

Pray: Lord, You know my heart and the hearts of others. I’m faced with an important decision. Please help me choose the path You have for me. I have many plans, but Your purpose will prevail. Help me to live in Your will for me, Lord.