How to Pray for Guidance Before Pursuing Your Dreams

Hi Family,

How are you feeling?

All of last week, I’ve been quiet—listening, being still. I sensed a need to fast and pray for clarity. I know who I am and what I need to do. I’ve found my place. It feels like the right time. But now, I’m seeking direction on who should go with me. Every dream requires the right place, the right time, and the right people. So, who are the right people to help fulfill this dream?

When I’m at a crossroads, I turn to God. Though we should always seek Him, it’s especially important when making decisions involving people. Prayer helps us discern the right path and the right partners for our journey.

What Do We Believe?

Before we pray, we need to reflect on our faith. Do we truly believe that Jesus came, died, and rose again? If not, what’s the point of praying? Many of us can be “unbelieving believers“—professing faith but struggling to follow Jesus’ teachings all the time, like loving one another. Could our blessings be tied to this one command?

The Power of Prayer

I meet with a prayer group from my church every Thursday. It’s been a time of great encouragement and connection. Recently, as soon as our prayers end, I often receive calls from people who seem to be part of God’s plan for fulfilling specific dreams. I believe these connections are divinely appointed.

Prayer is how we seek God and communicate with Him. Some Christians may question the need for prayer, why not just follow the laws, but Scripture says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Are we listening for His answers when we pray, or are we only talking? Communication with God should be a two-way street.

Building a Relationship With God

Prayer is about maintaining a relationship with God. We might have good values and use them wisely, but without connecting with God, we could miss important opportunities. When we tie our worth to people, jobs, or possessions, we risk feeling lost when those things are taken away. But with a relationship with God, our hope is unshakable.

Why Pray?

I remember feeling stuck during my PhD, I wanted to quit. Instead, I fasted and prayed for 10 days using the Daniel Fast method, meaning I do eat, but no processed foods, mostly fruits and vegetables. After this period of fasting and praying I received clear direction, including an initial outline for the book. At the time, I didn’t realize it was a seed that would grow into a book, this blog and so much more. Without believing in that moment, none of these outcomes might exist.

Journal entry on my Daniel Fast in 2017!

It’s also important to examine our intentions. Why are we asking God for what we want? Are our motives pure, or are we seeking status or fame? When we ask for things, after getting that thing, we will want something else. Perhaps then we should ask for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to know how to apply what God taught us. This way, we will know what to do to obtain the things we want. Let God be your safe place, the one you tell every– and anything; He can handle it. Pray without ceasing.

How to Pray

Last week I was also recovering from a cold, I found that during the peak of the sickness, I slept a lot, and I would mumble a prayer in and out of sleep. When I was up and going again the kids kept asking to go to the park, so we went, and while they played, I sat in the sun, letting it warm my skin. It felt like medicine, and I remember whispering, “Thank you, Lord, for the sunshine.” Sometimes, prayer is just that simple.

Other times, I cry out to God when faced with seemingly immovable problems. We can pray in many ways: by acknowledging God’s greatness, thanking Him for what He’s done, or even reminding Him of His promises in Scripture. Praying the Scriptures is a powerful way to align ourselves with God’s will.

When Should We Pray?

Set aside specific times for prayer and keep a journal handy to write down what God reveals to you. When you seek Him with all your heart, He will answer. Doubts may arise, but documenting what you hear will help you remember. Pray throughout the day—it doesn’t have to interrupt your routine; it’s just between you and God.

Pray Before Pursuing a Dream

Even Jesus, the Son of God, prayed all night before choosing His disciples. As followers of Christ, we should also pray before taking on projects or making important decisions. Prayer works, as I’ve seen time and time again. And I have no doubt it will work this time again.

Be blessed and stay tuned as we continue to grow and change together!

Love

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