I have encountered many forks in the road throughout my years of struggling to conceive a child. One way tells me to wait, one way tells me to move forward in treatment. One way points to parenthood no matter the method, one way points to contentment in childlessness. The list can go on and on. Some days the pressure of choosing the “right” way is overwhelming, and the burden of these decisions can cloud my vision.
When these decisions tempt me to despair, I do nothing else but pray and seek the Lord in his Word. So friend, no matter what decision you are facing today, seek the Lord above all else and pray scripture fervently. May these prayers lead and bless you.
Pray for His Will
Sovereign Lord, in my selfishness and impatience, too often I desire my will above yours. Please forgive me for my unbelief as I choose my desires before listening for yours. Jesus, as you yourself desired not your own will but the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39
; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42), so let me echo this prayer in humility. Equip me to truly believe and trust your goodness, your sovereignty, and rest in your power. You are a gracious, merciful Father who desires only the best blessings for me — but I need to come to the understanding that what you see as a blessing may not be how I comprehend it. Lord, by praying “your will be done” (Matthew 6:10), I offer you my trust and obedience.
Pray for Direction
Oh Lord, I need you to help me choose the right path. Make this path known to me as you fill me with joy in your presence (Acts 2:28). Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:5). Lord, for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me (Psalm 31:3). Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me (Psalm 119:133).
Pray for Wisdom & Discernment
Father, I need wisdom that only your Spirit can give me. Help me to not lean solely on my own understanding, thoughts, or dreams — or what my society, culture, and circle have to say (Proverbs 3:5). I need godly — not earthly — wisdom, Lord. Please supply me in knowledge and truth as I battle these tough decisions and uncertainty. Open my eyes to the barriers holding me back from spiritual progress and help me to walk confidently as I discern the next steps I need to take in my life. I want the wisdom that comes from heaven: a pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, good, impartial and sincere wisdom (James 3:17). I do not want be conformed to this world, but transformed; I desire to discern your will, what is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Pray for Clarity & Peace
Lord God, I pray for a clear understanding and a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Remind me that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and remind me that my heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) when I am struggling to see clearly and make decisions. When I’m restless, anxious, and uneasy, strengthen me to move forward with eyes only fixed on you.
Pray for Protection
My almighty protector, I ask that you keep the enemy from polluting my heart and confusing my mind as I draw nearer to your truths. Guard my heart and mind, and hide me in the shadows of your wings (Psalm 17:8). Lord, I know that you are faithful and will guard me against the enemy (2 Thessalonians 3:3). I thank you that you are my refuge and strong tower, that I can run to you and be safe (Proverbs 18:10).
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Cover photo used with permission, Jake Melara at Unsplash.com.
With so many big decisions coming up, this post feels very timely! I feel like I need to print this out to have as a guide and put my bed as a reminder. Thanks Meredith. Praying these same things for you as you navigate your upcoming decisions.