Ask God for Wisdom — sacred illustration
✶ Our Bible Moments No. 225 / 253

Guidance & Decisions

Ask God for Wisdom

James 1:5

James 1:5 is a promise from the letter of James, written “To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion,” about asking God for wisdom in the middle of trials.

Father, I don’t know what to do, and I need Your wisdom. You give generously to all without finding fault, so I can come to You without fear. Show me the next right step. Clear my mind when I study, when I listen, and when I choose. Help me trust You, instead of being tossed back and forth like a wave. Thank You that You hear me. Amen.

James 1:5 is a promise from the letter of James, written “To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion,” about asking God for wisdom in the middle of trials.

The Scripture

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

— James 1:5

Prayer points from James 1:5

  1. Thank God that He gives generously and does not scold you for asking
  2. Name the decision or problem where you need wisdom
  3. Ask Him to clear your mind and steady your heart
  4. Ask for faith to trust His answer instead of second-guessing
  5. Pray for the teachers, parents or friends whose advice you need
  6. Ask for wisdom to persevere in the trial you are in

About this verse

James opens his letter by telling his readers to count their trials as joy, because the testing of faith develops perseverance. Then he turns straight to the person who doesn’t know how to get through: if you lack wisdom, ask. He describes God as the One “who gives generously to all without finding fault.” God does not scold us for asking, or for needing help again. The next verses add that we should ask in faith, without doubting, and not be like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Wisdom here is more than knowing facts; it is knowing how to live well when the way is unclear. This prayer is for anyone facing a decision, an exam, a new job or a hard season, who needs to know what to do next.

When to pray this prayer

More prayers for guidance & decisions

Did this help you pray today?

Stay a little longer with Scripture

Watch the Bible word for word, or rest with a painting of Jesus, piece by piece.

Bible Movies app iconBible MoviesWhole Bible chapters as films, word for word→ Bible Jigsaw app iconBible JigsawPaintings of Jesus to piece together, each with a verse→

No app? Watch a chapter here · Play a jigsaw here

More prayers for Guidance & Decisions → The whole prayer library

✶ · Our Bible Moments