How to Pray When You Aren’t Sure What to Do
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We all face seasons of uncertainty — times when we simply don’t know what to do next. Maybe you’re choosing a major, considering a move, deciding whether to continue a relationship, or wondering if it’s time for a new job or opportunity. Whatever crossroads you find yourself at, take heart: God wants to lead you.
When you’re unsure of what to do, prayer is your best next step. Below are a few simple ways you can pray as you seek the Lord’s guidance.
1. Thank God
Even when you don’t know what’s ahead, you can start by thanking God for who He is and what He’s already done. Gratitude helps shift your focus from uncertainty to trust. Thank Him for His presence, His salvation, His provision, and the ways He’s led you before.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
When you thank God, you’re reminding your heart that His goodness and faithfulness don’t depend on your circumstances — and that He can be trusted to lead you again.
2. Ask for Wisdom
God never intends to leave you in confusion. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it sincerely.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
— James 1:5 NIV
You don’t have to have all the answers — just the humility to ask. Trust that as you pray, the Lord will provide clarity in His timing and through His Word.
3. Practice Solitude
Jesus Himself modeled the rhythm of withdrawing from the noise to be alone with the Father.
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
— Luke 5:16 NIV
When you quiet distractions and spend time in stillness before God, your heart becomes more tuned to His voice.
4. Ask the Lord to Purify Your Motives
Often, we aren’t fully aware of what’s pulling the strings of our hearts. When you’re making decisions, pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal hidden motives and help you make choices from a pure heart and sound mind.
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
— Psalm 139:23–24 NIV
When we ask the Lord to search and refine our hearts, He helps us make decisions that align with His truth and bring peace to our souls.
5. Ask for Your Love to Deepen
When the Apostle Paul prayed for the church, he didn’t just ask for success or direction — he asked that their love would abound.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…”
— Philippians 1:9–10 NIV
When your love for God and others grows, discernment follows. The closer your heart aligns with His love, the clearer your decisions become.
6. Ask for Christlike Character
“What would Jesus do?” is more than a catchy phrase — it’s a daily prayer for guidance. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to respond to your circumstances with the humility, grace, and wisdom of Jesus.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
— 2 Peter 3:18 NIV
As you grow in Christlike character, your choices will naturally reflect His heart.
7. Ask for Boldness to Be a Witness
No matter what decision you’re facing, your ultimate purpose remains the same: to make Jesus known. Pray that your choices — big or small — would glorify Him and point others to the Gospel.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 NIV
When you make decisions from a place of faith and courage, the Holy Spirit uses your life as a testimony of God’s goodness.
When You’re Unsure — Pray First
Whenever you’re uncertain, prayer is always the best place to start. The Lord promises to guide those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
One powerful way to stay grounded in prayer is by journaling your conversations with God. Writing out your prayers helps you process what’s in your heart and recognize how He’s speaking to you over time.
Use your Seek First Journal to record your prayers, reflect on Scripture, and listen for the Lord’s leading. You can learn more or order your journal at seekfirstresources.com.