How to Ask for Direction from God
Posted: Saturday, October 31, 2009
by Carolyn Tytler
There are times in life when you honestly don't know what to do. Whether it's deciding on which career path to follow, deciding to enter or leave a marriage, to buy a home or stay in a apartment, or whether it's time to ship an aging parent to a nursing home, you desperately need help in making a decision.
You can consult other people, but they are not infallible. They may not know all the details of the situation; they may have a vested interest in one particular outcome, so they will urge that option, or they may be prejudiced by a previous experience in their own lives. The truth is, you can't totally rely on another human being's opinion to help you choose the right path.
He is outside of time and He is all-wise. He knows how each option would ultimately turn out.
Most importantly, He loves you, and all the others involved in your dilemma, with an everlasting love. Jesus told us to call God "Father". Is this one of those occasions when you really need direction from a loving and all-wise parent?
If so, here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
* Choose a time when you're unlikely to be disturbed. Go to a quiet, comfortable place. You needn't kneel down. If your knees are hurting, you won't be able to fully concentrate on your prayer.
* Close your eyes, relax, and place yourself in the presence of God. I find it helpful to start off with the "Our Father". Jesus advised it, and it quiets and focuses the mind and heart on God.
* Picture God, (the Father or Jesus or the Holy Spirit) sitting in a chair beside you. Tell Him about the situation, and your concerns, just as you would talk to your best friend.
* Admit your confusion and uncertainty, and humbly and sincerely ask for His help.
*Thank Him for His help. Ask for the wisdom to recognize His guidance when it appears and the strength and courage to follow it.
* Close with a "Our Father" or another favorite prayer.
* Leave the problem with God. Try not to worry about it anymore, but stay alert for an answer to your dilemma. It may come through a random remark from a friend, through a news item you see on TV, or through a unexpected phone call. God is not limited in the ways He chooses to respond.
The answer may arrive through an "Aha!" moment, when an original and brilliant solution just pops into your head. You'll recognize the Source, if not at the moment, then later.
When it happens, stop for a minute and say a quiet "Thank You".
Then act on the guidance you've received. When you do, your career path will open up, your marriage quandary will disappear, you will make the best choice about your residence, and your elderly parent will end up exactly where God wants him or her to be.
There are times in every one's life when it certainly helps to have a Friend in high places.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Greetings Carolyn -
I enjoyed this piece. You gave spiritual insight that was practical, also.Thank you, Sandra.
I have just followed your prayer directives and feel better, already.
Thank you.
Paul
I want to thank you for your insight on how to ask Our Father for help with an important issue, Life changing issue, I have really been struggling with, I know he guided your words for me and for that I'm also thankful. May God Bless you and your family. ~Misty
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