What to choose? Whom will my choice have an impact on? What will I be giving up? These are some of the thoughts which go through our heads when we try to decide. Whether at work, at school, at home, or in the public sphere, making a decision is one of the most difficult things to do in life.
Decisions require discernment and careful consideration. This means that we need to explore several situations and the outcomes of such occasions. We also have to consider sensibly who will be affected by such a choice. We need to go through such a process because every decision we make will have a significant impact on our lives. Moreover, the process of choosing brings stress, confusion, and even a test of faith. Full reliance on our own capacity will not be enough. We must ask God for guidance in making a good decision.
Prayer for guidance in making a decision
Almighty and Ever Merciful God,
You create great wonders in my life. You accompanied me through ups and downs and were my go-to shoulder to cry on whenever I had problems. Thank You for showing me that the greatest love of all is to share one’s life with others, even sacrificing it for their sake. Lord, I put my trust in You. In all the difficulties I will encounter, Your presence in my life assures me that everything will be all right.
I then implore Your grace of guidance in making a decision. Grant me the motivation to thoroughly reflect on the possible outcomes, thereby, my choice will be well grounded. Help me to be patient because deciding takes time. Clear my mind of any doubt and prejudice of myself or others, and mainly of You. Help me to continuously think of the welfare of others because my choice will definitely affect them. Grant me peace that as I decide on any life-altering situation, I know such a choice is virtuous and moral. Shield me, Oh Lord, from any temptation to do otherwise.
I ask for Your forgiveness if there are times I rely too much on my own ability to decide and act. I am sorry for my mishaps and misjudgments. Pardon me when I do not listen to Your instructions and even doubt Your Providence. I offer my mind and heart to Your Will so that I may only hear Your voice. In so doing, whatever I decide is according to Your bountiful Wisdom.
This I ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen
Short prayer for guidance in making a decision
My Lord Jesus Christ, please guide me in making a decision. Empower me with Your love to be courageous in choosing wisely. Breathe in me, Your Holy Spirit, so I will decide what is right and just. Bless me with acumen in evaluating the outcomes of my choice correctly. I am putting all my trust in You, My God. Grant that all my works and actions be in accordance with Your Will. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.
The Word of God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSVUE
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:5-8 NRSVUE
Prayer to Saint Ignatius of Loyola for guidance in making a decision
Saint Ignatius of Loyola,
From a soldier of a country to a soldier of the faith, you are an exemplary Christian. Inspire me through your works to be open to God’s grace and guidance in decision-making. Teach me to be courageous even if there are risks in making a choice. Help me to be generous, to think that good decisions are not entirely for my benefit but also for others and that they are ultimately for the greater glory of God. Comfort me when I make a bad choice, and support my plea for my forgiveness to the Father as I ask from those affected as well. Motivate me to listen to His instructions without hesitation, like a soldier to his commander. Guide me towards obeying God with all my heart. Join your prayers with mine to the Father that I, a mere creature, continue to trust in his Providence. This I ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us! Amen.
Further reflection
Mary is our model as Catholic Christians for making a wise, though difficult, decision. She decided to say yes to the proclamation of Angel Gabriel. In her capacity as a human being, she might have no clue what to do, but because she entrusted herself to God’s Wisdom, she was able to obey God without hesitation and helped set in motion His plan of salvation. In the same way, St. Ignatius of Loyola chose to dedicate his life to doing works not for the glory of a country or himself but for the greater glory of God.
Why do we need to pray to ask for guidance in making a decision? We need to keep in mind we are finite beings, and our capacity to think and feel is limited. In finding a resolution to a problem, dependence on our ability to choose may not turn out as ethical or meaningful. If we decide on our own without guidance from God, we might overlook some things that must have been deliberated on in order to make the right decision.
We need to ask God to guide us through this difficult situation of deciding. He can instruct us what to do through the Holy Spirit. He will calm our minds and hearts as we carefully consider the possibilities and options. Without Him, we can only do so much, and by trusting in his Divine Wisdom, we can be assured our decision is correct.
Consider this prayer before making a decision to help get through any life-altering situation or even small, seemingly meaningless decisions. May this prayer bring us control and steadfast resolve. Remember that God is constantly with us and ready to help us. His presence will bring us peace of mind that whatever we are going through, such as decision-making, we are in good hands.
