Scriptures to Pray for Guidance & Wisdom

 God allowed Solomon to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon’s reply, “give your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil,” pleased God. God not only answered Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, but blessed him with much, much more! (1 Kings 3:10-14) We know seeking godly guidance and wisdom is a part of God’s will, and we can pray in confidence that our Heavenly Father will answer. 

Praying straight from the scriptures is a great way to focus our prayers and be sure we are praying according to God’s will. When we need help facing important decisions, it is best to start with the Word of God and prayer.  When we need wisdom to navigate the daily challenges of life praying the scriptures for guidance and wisdom can give us the right foundation. 

Praying the scriptures is not hard. When the passages come directly from prayers, we can quote them exactly as the writers help us express what is in our hearts. With others passages, we can simply add or change some pronouns as we pray to personalize the requests.

Through Jesus, we can boldly come before the throne of God in our own words, as feeble as they may be sometimes. Praying the scriptures is simply a way to help us keep our minds from wandering and keep God’s promises in mind as we pray.

This week I am praying for guidance and wisdom on a specific homeschooling issue. Though it’s not really a “big deal,” it’s time for a few changes that will affect our weekly schedule and time to build friendships. I want to be sure to handle it in the best way to honor Christ and to benefit our local homeschooling families.

What ever you are facing, big or small, seek the Lord. Use these scriptures to pray or guidance and wisdom, and follow however He leads.

Scriptures to Pray for Guidance and Wisdom

““The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

(Father I begin with fear, awe, and love of you as I search for wisdom. Let me know You and gain understanding.)

“Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 NASB 

(Father, let my ears hear a word behind me, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever I turn to the right or to the left.)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

(Father, help me trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. As I acknowledge You in all my ways, make my path straight.)

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 NASB

(Father, I lack wisdom, but I am asking You, who gives to all generously and without reproach, trusting in faith that you will give it to me.)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalms 23:1-3 NKJV

(Lord, you are my Shepherd; I shall not want. Make me lie down in green pastures; lead me bedside the still weathers. Restore my soul. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalms 139:23-24 NASB

“For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” Psalms 31:3 NASB

 “Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalms 143:10 NASB

 “O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places.” Psalms 43:3 NASB

“From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalms 61:2 NASB

“Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word.” Psalms 119:169 NASB

“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Psalms 51:6 NKJV

[Wisdom personified speaking,] “I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.” Proverbs 8:17 NKJV

(Father, I love wisdom because you are the source of wisdom. Help me seek diligently and find it.)

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”” Luke 11:13 NKJV

(Father, you give good gifts to Your children. Give me the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.)

Remember, dear friend, God promises to give us wisdom if we ask in faith. Seek Him in whatever you are facing, then trust that He is answering and guiding you as you make your decisions*. 

*One note to keep in mind: Any answer or direction you receive that goes against God’s revealed Word is not from Him. God’s wisdom and guidance will always align with what He has already told us through Scripture.

How do you seek guidance and wisdom from the Lord to make decisions? In what areas are you seeking guidance and wisdom right now? Please share in the comments. I’d love to pray along with you!