Joyful Moments in Christ

A Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I reflect on Charles Spurgeon’s quote, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right,” I seek your guidance. The fine line between right and almost right often blurs, and the allure of the almost right can be compelling, leading towards a path less righteous than you desire. Grant me clarity as I face decisions in various aspects of life – in work, relationships, finances, academics, and responsibilities. “ I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13 (ESV).

As various choices present themselves, may your divine light shine upon my decisions, revealing the path that aligns with your righteousness. “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV). Please let the Holy Spirit be my guide, helping me discern the subtle differences that may escape the naked eye.

As I reflect on the teachings of your son, Jesus Christ, may his words be a beacon in the moral fog, emphasizing truth, honesty, and love. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV). Strengthen my resolve to resist the temptation of quick benefits that almost right choices may offer. Instead, instill in me the patience to seek your kingdom first, trusting that righteousness will accompany those who walk in your ways.

In moments of uncertainty, I seek your guidance through prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV). Let the stillness of my heart be met with the gentle whisper of your wisdom, guiding me towards decisions that reflect your divine principles. May the teachings of Jesus echo in my thoughts, providing clarity and courage to choose what is truly right in your eyes.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Read: Musings about Discernment: Right vs. Almost Right

Reflection Questions

Let’s take a moment for personal reflection. The following questions are designed to deepen your understanding of discernment, drawing inspiration from the prayer’s themes and the Bible verses mentioned. As you ponder these questions, consider the intersection of faith and decision making in your life.

1. How does Charles Spurgeon’s quote on discernment resonate with your own experiences of decision making?
2. In which areas of your life do you find the line between right and almost right to be most challenging or blurred?
3. Consider the Bible verses included in the prayer. How do they contribute to the theme of seeking guidance and discernment?
4. Reflect on times when you faced decisions in work, relationships, finances, academics, or responsibilities. How did you approach those decisions in the light of your faith?
5. How can the concept of seeking God’s kingdom first influence your decision making process in different aspects of life?
6. In moments of uncertainty, do you find it easy to turn to prayer for guidance? Why or why not?
7. How do you interpret the idea of the Holy Spirit being a guide in discerning subtle differences in decision making?
8. Consider the teachings of Jesus mentioned in the prayer. How do these teachings influence your understanding of truth, honesty, and love in decision making?
9. What role does patience play in choosing the path aligned with God’s righteousness, especially when faced with the allure of quick benefits?
10. In what ways can you cultivate a stillness of heart to better hear the gentle whisper of God’s wisdom during moments of uncertainty?

Respond

Please pray a prayer about discernment in decision making. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

As you read this prayer and reflection questions and considered the theme of discernment, were there particular Bible verses or insights that came to mind? Share your thoughts and join the conversation by leaving a comment at the end of this blog post! Your perspective adds depth to our collective exploration of discernment.

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Related Resources

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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.