Pray for discernment

Why pray for discernment?

Do you struggle to make good choices and stay on the right path? Discernment is the key to achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. With discernment, you can understand complex situations and make decisions based on the right information. As the Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). It’s crucial to know the difference between good and bad, right and wrong, so you can make choices that align with your values and beliefs. Good judgment is more important than ever in today’s world of distractions, temptations, and differing opinions. Let us help you develop the skill of discernment to make wise choices and reach your goals. Start your journey today and discover the power of discernment!

Do you struggle to make wise choices? Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just starting your journey, cultivating discernment is an essential life skill to help you navigate life’s challenges more easily. This article explores the importance of discernment, what it entails, and how to cultivate it in your daily life. We’ll share practical tips and valuable insights on praying for discernment and overcoming obstacles that may stand in your way. You’ll discover how to empower yourself to live a more fulfilling life guided by the wisdom of the Bible. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make wise choices that lead to peace and joy! Don’t wait – start your journey of discernment today!

What is Discernment?

Discernment is a spiritual gift that enables individuals to see things as they are, make wise choices, and live by God’s will. In the Bible, there are many examples of individuals who possessed this gift, including King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and discernment, and the prophet Samuel, who was able to recognise God’s call on his life at a young age.

In the Bible, discernment is characterised by a deep understanding of God’s word and a close relationship with Him. A person with discernment can distinguish good from evil and make choices that align with God’s will. For example, Proverbs 2:9-10 says, “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

In John 7:24, Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.” Discernment differs from judgement because it is not about condemning or criticising others but seeking God’s will and guidance. Discernment helps us see things as they are without being swayed by our emotions or personal biases.

The Need for Discernment in Today’s World

In today’s world, the need for discernment has never been greater. With the influence of media and technology, the prevalence of false information, and the constant barrage of conflicting opinions, it’s essential to have the ability to distinguish truth from lies and make wise choices.

The Influence of Media and Technology

The media and technology significantly impact our lives, shaping our beliefs, opinions, and values. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and the views of others, leading us to make choices that are not in line with our beliefs and values. In such a world, discernment is essential to help us navigate the often-confusing information and stay grounded in what is true and essential.

The Prevalence of False Information

The spread of false information has always been challenging, with social media and the internet making it possible for misinformation to reach millions of people instantly. It’s essential to discern truth from lies and make informed decisions based on accurate information.

The Importance of Distinguishing Truth from Lies

In a world filled with false information, it’s crucial to distinguish truth from lies. This requires understanding the facts, a deep knowledge of God’s word, and a close relationship with Him. In John 8:32, Jesus says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” By cultivating discernment and relying on God’s guidance, we can navigate the complexities of our world and live in the freedom and peace that comes from living following His truth.

The Bible provides many examples of individuals who possessed this gift, including the prophet Daniel, who was able to interpret the king’s dream and provide accurate counsel, and the apostle Paul, who was able to discern the truth of the gospel and spread it to the Gentile world.

How to Develop Discernment

Developing discernment is a vital aspect of growing in our faith and living a life that is pleasing to God. It requires intentional effort, a close relationship with God, and a willingness to put aside our desires and opinions in favour of His will. Here are three key ways to develop discernment:

The Role of Prayer in Discernment

Prayer is crucial to developing discernment. James 1:5 says, “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.” Through prayer, we can ask for God’s guidance and wisdom and grow in understanding His will for our lives.

Seeking Wisdom from Trusted Sources

Discernment also requires seeking wisdom from trusted sources. This may include reading the Bible, seeking counsel from trusted friends and mentors, and engaging in meaningful conversation with others who deeply understand God’s word. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

Cultivating a Critical Mind and Being Open to New Perspectives

Finally, developing discernment requires cultivating a critical mind and being open to new perspectives. This requires putting aside our biases and preconceived notions and considering new ideas and perspectives. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”

The Bible provides many examples of individuals who developed this gift, including King David, who grew in wisdom and discernment through his experiences and his relationship with God, and the prophet Nathan, who was able to provide wise counsel to King David and help him see the error of his ways.

The Benefits of Discernment

Discernment is a critical aspect of our spiritual growth and can bring many benefits to our lives, including:

Better Decision Making

Discernment allows us to make better life decisions. The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who demonstrated discernment and reaped the benefits of this gift. In Genesis 41, Joseph demonstrated his gift of discernment when he accurately interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and offered a solution that saved Egypt from famine. This discernment allowed him to serve his people well and positioned him for a leadership role in the country.

Improved Relationships

Discernment can also improve our relationships. For example, in 2 Samuel 24, King David demonstrated his discernment by recognising and repenting his sin, which ultimately restored his relationship with God. Similarly, understanding can help us to identify and address our sins and reconcile with others.

A Clearer Sense of Purpose and Direction

Discernment can also give us a clearer sense of purpose and direction in life. For example, in Genesis 12, Abraham demonstrated his discernment when he obediently followed God’s call to leave his home and embark on a journey to an unknown land. This act of obedience and faith was the beginning of a life filled with blessings and purpose.

Paul, in Acts 16, also demonstrated discernment when he received a vision from the Lord that led him to change his plans and travel to Macedonia. This act of obedience ultimately led to the spread of the gospel in Europe and the planting of many new churches.

Finally, Daniel, in Daniel 5, demonstrated his discernment when he accurately interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, which ultimately led to the king recognising the power of God. This discernment positioned Daniel for a leadership role in the kingdom and helped spread the message of God’s power to the surrounding nations.

Prayer for discernment

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for the gift of discernment. We recognise that with your guidance and wisdom, we can navigate this world with clarity and understanding. We ask that you grant us this gift and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may discern what is true and false, distinguish between good and evil, and make wise choices that align with your will.

We pray for the ability to hear your voice, and to follow your lead, even when it goes against the norm or the opinions of others. We pray for the strength to resist temptation and the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult. We pray for a heart that is open to your truth and a mind that is focused on your ways.

Thank you for your faithful love and the grace and guidance you provide. May we walk in your truth and your ways, with the gift of discernment, always leading us to your side. Amen.

Prayer for discernment in the bible

Solomon is a great example of someone in the Bible who prayed for discernment. In fact, his request for wisdom and discernment is one of the most famous prayers in the Bible.

In 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomon is said to have asked God for wisdom and discernment to govern his people:

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.”

Solomon’s prayer for wisdom and discernment pleased God so much that not only did God grant his request, but He also blessed him with wealth and honour beyond measure.

Other examples of prayers for discernment in the Bible

1. “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” – Psalm 86:11
2. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5
3. “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
4. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
6. “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” – Ephesians 1:17
7. “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

These prayers ask God to provide wisdom, guidance, and truth to help discern the right path to take.

Prayer points for discernment

1. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making decisions; according to Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
2. Pray for wisdom and understanding, according to James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
3. Pray for the ability to discern truth from lies, according to John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
4. Pray for the ability to recognise and resist temptation, according to James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
5. Pray for the discernment to recognise and follow God’s will, according to Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good is, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
6. Pray for recognising and avoiding evil, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
7. Pray for the discernment to make wise choices in relationships, according to Proverbs 14:7 “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
8. Pray for the ability to distinguish between good and evil, according to Hebrews 5:14 “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
9. Pray for the discernment to choose Godly counsel, according to Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
10. Pray for the ability to see things from God’s perspective, according to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, discernment is crucial to our spiritual journey and personal growth. As believers, we must actively seek this gift from God and continually cultivate it in our lives. With discernment, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of this world, make informed decisions, and build meaningful relationships. It also helps us to stay grounded in truth and avoid being led astray by false teachings and influences.

We encourage readers to pray for discernment in all areas of their life, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom as they navigate their daily challenges and decisions. As we rely on the Holy Spirit and cultivate a heart of discernment, we will be empowered to live a life that is pleasing to God and brings glory to His name.

Discernment is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a continuous commitment to seeking God’s will. But the benefits of this gift are immeasurable and will shape us into the people we are meant to be, helping us to grow in grace and wisdom and to fulfil our purpose in this world.