How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Do

How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Do

Life is full of decisions. Some are small — what to cook for dinner, which bill to pay first — but others are life-changing: Should I take that job? Should I move? Should I say yes or no to this opportunity? In those moments, many of us feel stuck. We pray, but we don’t know what to say. We want God’s direction, but we also don’t want to get it wrong.

So, how do you pray when you don’t know what to do? The Bible gives us two clear guideposts: surrender and wisdom.

Surrendering Your Will

In Luke 22:42, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.”

This short prayer shows us two powerful truths. First, Jesus was honest about His feelings. He didn’t hide His fear or His desire for another way. But second, He surrendered. “Not my will, but Yours.”

That’s the heart of real prayer. It’s not about getting God to approve our plans. It’s about laying our plans before Him and trusting His way is best, even when it’s hard.

Asking for Wisdom

Surrender doesn’t mean passivity. After giving our will to God, we ask Him for wisdom. James 1:5 tells us: “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.”

What a promise! God isn’t stingy with wisdom. He doesn’t roll His eyes at our questions. He gives generously, because He wants His children to walk in clarity and peace.

The Balance of Both

Think of it this way: surrender keeps you humble, wisdom keeps you practical.

• Without surrender, we risk trying to use wisdom to justify what we already wanted.

• Without wisdom, surrender can drift into passivity — just sitting back without engaging.

But together, surrender and wisdom create powerful prayers: “Lord, I trust Your will, and I’m asking You to show me the next step.”

A Practical Example

I once spoke with someone wrestling over a job decision. He kept waiting for a big sign from God, but nothing came. Finally, he began asking, “Lord, give me wisdom to make the choice that honours You.”

Over time, through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, he sensed clarity. It wasn’t a flashing sign, but it was wisdom. And because he had already surrendered his will, he could move forward with peace.

Living It Out

So, what do you do when you don’t know what to pray?

1. Be honest. Tell God exactly what you want and how you feel.

2. Surrender. Pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

3. Ask for wisdom. Trust He’ll give it generously.

4. Take the next step. Often wisdom shows up one step at a time, not all at once.

Final Encouragement

If you feel stuck today, remember this: You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to come honestly, surrender fully, and ask boldly. God’s will is always better, and His wisdom is always available.

So next time you don’t know what to do, don’t panic. Pray. Surrender. Ask for wisdom. And walk forward in faith, knowing your Father is guiding you.