How Do You Know What to Pray?

Life gets so complicated.  How do you know the right thing to do?  How do you know what to pray?

It’s always appropriate and good to ask for wisdom.

James 1:5-8 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. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

This is a great parenting passage.  I think God wrote it particularly for parents.

This is a great business-persons passage.  I think God wrote it particularly for people who make huge decisions in their business and work.

This is a great passage for anyone who wants to live life to the full and be a godly influence on others.  I think God wrote it particularly for you and me.

Ask in faith.  Pray for wisdom and believe God will surely give it to you.  Ask with an attitude of surrender, wide open to whatever He would say to you.  Stay in the discovery mode, listening for God’s answer, already postured and determined to step out in obedience to His clear direction.  Refuse to lean on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5)

Ask without any doubting.  God gives to those who ask and diligently seek Him.  God is also the sole source of wisdom – what you’re asking for.  Consider –

James 1:16-17 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Remember, if it’s not from God, then it’s not good.