Praying Before Big Decisions: Learning from Jesus’ Example

The Example of Jesus in Luke 6:12

Before Jesus chose His twelve apostles, He did something profound: “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night” (Luke 6:12, New Living Translation).

This was no short, casual moment of prayer—it was a full night of communion with the Father. And it came before one of the most pivotal decisions of His earthly ministry.

If Jesus—the Son of God—needed to spend time in deep, focused prayer before making a big decision, what makes us think we can afford not to?

A glowing green traffic light reads “WAIT” as a dark cross stands blurred in the background beneath a twilight sky. — No peace? No decision. When your soul says “Wait,” listen.

Decisions That Change Everything

We all face moments when we stand at the edge of something big: career moves, relationship decisions, financial risks, major life transitions. These are the moments that define our path forward. And far too often, we rely solely on logic, instinct, or urgency to guide us.

I’ve learned that when I pause to pray, when I truly invite God into the process, the outcome is always better—even if it doesn’t look easier. But when I don’t? That’s when I run into trouble.

Let me tell you two stories that highlight the difference.

A man holds two signs—one says “IT MAKES SENSE,” the other “IT FEELS RIGHT”—as he looks upward under a cloudy sky, with a cross faintly visible in the background. — When logic says go, but the Spirit whispers “wait.”

When I Did Pray: A Story of Peace Over Profit

A few years ago, I got a call from an ex-coworker who had joined a fast-growing crypto company. They were looking for seasoned IT professionals and thought my experience would be a perfect fit.

I went through the interview process, received a generous offer, and had a weekend to make my decision. The offer made sense on paper—great salary, bonuses, benefits, and stock options.

Wendy and I decided to pray separately on Saturday, then talk and pray together on Sunday. I skipped lunch that day, climbed into our Kubota, and took a long drive into the hills to spend time with God. My mind said, “Take the offer.” But my spirit had no peace.

When I returned, Wendy was waiting on the porch. I told her how troubled I felt. Her response? “Praise the Lord.” She had felt the same.

On Monday, I turned down the offer. The HR rep said she’d never had someone reject a job due to a lack of peace. I explained that I trust God to guide my career.

One year later, the company went bankrupt before going public. If I hadn’t prayed, I would’ve walked straight into disaster. God protected me—and I’m still thankful.

A weathered beige van with its hood up, broken down on the side of a country road, with a large wooden cross in the distance and the words “LEARN THE HARD WAY – Skipping prayer costs more than you think” overlaid on the image. — When we skip prayer, we often end up stuck on the side of the road—literally and spiritually.

When I Didn’t Pray: A Pricey Mistake

But not every story has a happy ending. Years earlier, our family planned a road trip to Pennsylvania to visit Wendy’s mom. The 1,500-mile drive with young kids wasn’t appealing, so I got it into my head that we needed a custom van.

It had everything—TV, VHS player, gaming system, and a bench seat that folded into a bed. It seemed perfect. But it was expensive.

We initially decided against it. But after a promotion at work, I went back and bought it—without prayer, without counsel, just logic and urgency. When the salesman walked away high-fiving his coworkers, I should’ve known I made a mistake.

That van was a nightmare. Frequent brake replacements, lousy gas mileage, and high maintenance costs. Three years later, we traded it in—plus $7,000—to get an SUV.

I remember praying, “God, please help me get out of this mess.” And it felt like God said, “You didn’t ask Me before—now you want My help to fix it?”

That decision, without prayer, cost us thousands.

A journal, Bible, and glass of water rest on a wooden table under soft lighting, symbolizing quiet time for prayer and fasting. — Fasting isn’t about food—it’s about focus. ✝️🕊️

Fasting: Fuel for Focused Prayer

When Jesus prayed before choosing the twelve, Luke doesn’t mention fasting—but in Scripture, prayer and fasting often go hand-in-hand.

Fasting isn’t about twisting God’s arm. It’s about tuning our heart. It clears the clutter and sharpens our spiritual ears.

“So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.” — Ezra 8:23 (NLT)

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” — Joel 2:12 (NLT)

“Then after fasting and praying, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.” — Acts 13:3 (NLT)

Before major life decisions, consider setting aside time to fast. It could be a meal, a day, or a full fast—but let it be focused on seeking God’s will.

A digitally illustrated wrecking ball narrowly misses a small house labeled “Your Future,” with the phrase “When God Saves You from You” overlaid above in bold lettering. — When God Saves You from You

Practical Tips for Praying Before Decisions

Don’t rush. Give yourself time to seek God, not just time to decide.
Write it down. Journal what you’re hearing, what Scripture says, and how you feel.
Involve others. Ask trusted, praying friends or your spouse to join you.
Fast intentionally. Choose to skip a meal—or social media, or something else that pulls your attention—to create space for God.
Ask for peace. It’s often the clearest indicator of God’s direction.

A GPS device on a car dashboard displays the phrase “Listening for God’s Voice…” with the overlay text “Direction Over Details — God gives guidance, not blueprints.” — When you’re unsure of the next turn, remember: God directs steps, not construction plans.

God Still Guides

Jesus showed us what it looks like to seek the Father before making decisions. His model wasn’t just for show—it was a call to action.

So the next time you’re facing a fork in the road, pause. Pray. Fast. Ask for peace.

And trust that the same God who guided Jesus will faithfully guide you.

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The Greater the Love, The Deeper the Grief – A heartfelt journey through loss and hope.
Confessions of a Pray-er to Be Named Later – Honest stories of learning to pray with persistence.