Praying for Discernment

We are faced with so many decisions each day. Most decisions are small, but some are big and tough decisions we must make. But how do we know the decision we make is the right one? This is where we will dive into today’s topic of discernment, but before we do, would you join me in prayer?

Lord, each day I am faced with so many decisions to make. There are times I doubt the decision I am making is correct. Thank You so much for leading and guiding me in my life. When I am uncertain, I can come to You and You will provide the knowledge and discernment I need to make the best choice. I pray You speak to me today and help my eyes to be opened for what You are calling me to do. Amen.

Luke 6:12-13 (NLT)
12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

When you look up the definition of discernment, it says that to discern is to understand and know the difference between what is good or right, and what is not good or wrong. When we need discernment in the decisions that come our way, we need to be able to see things how God sees them and act in that way. Do you feel you have any decisions in your life that you need God’s guidance on?

In today’s scripture, we see Jesus spending the entire night praying and seeking God about who should be his apostles. This teaches us that we have to lean into God when we are faced with decisions. These can be big decisions and small decisions. These can also be good yet hard decisions. Some decisions will be easy, and you’ll know exactly what you’re being called to do. Others may not be that simple and you will find yourself faltering. Yet through it all, we need to be in prayer, consistent in the Word and understanding God’s character, and have an open mind and heart to what God reveals to us. How do you usually handle big decisions?

God is in the details. We have to seek God in our decisions because He holds the ultimate plan…the bigger picture. Look at Luke 6:14 and you will see the list of the chosen apostles. Judas made that list, and we all know the story of what Judas ended up doing. Yet Judas was part of God’s ultimate plan. When Jesus was seeking direction from God, there was a greater purpose at work through this decision. In Jesus’s humanity, he could have chosen not to select Judas because he knew what that meant and what it would lead to. Yet that is where we must trust in God’s ultimate plan. The answer we get may not be the one we want, but we need to have discernment to know that God has the answers. God is in control of it all. This is why, in each and every decision that comes our way, we have to go to Him for guidance and direction.

Take some time to talk with God about any decisions you currently have to make…big or small. You can use the prayer prompts below to get you started.

Lord, right now I feel overwhelmed to make the decision of…

Lord, I need your peace with the decision I have to make…

Friend, as you go through each day, I pray you do not feel you are making decisions alone. Ask for guidance from God and He will hear you. Be listening for His direction in your life.