“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest
the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen.”
(Acts 1:24)
This verse in the first chapter of Acts teaches a foundational principle that all believers should practice. The occasion is a vacancy that arose among the apostles. Two men were put forward for consideration, both worthy and suitable. But those faithful apostles did not rely on preference, influence, or outward appearance. Rather, they placed the final determination in the hands of the Lord.
They wisely understood that the inward disposition of a man cannot be fully discerned by natural observation. Gifts can be determined, reputation may be known, but sincerity, humility, and spiritual maturity are hidden from sight.
Like these apostles, we are often faced with choices where our wisdom alone is not sufficient. In such cases, the only proper response is earnest prayer marked by humility that recognizes divine authority. We should seek Christ not only for direction but also acknowledge Him as Lord, whose will must be followed.
The apostles’ request was simple yet profound: “show whether of these thou hast chosen.” Likewise, we don’t need new revelation apart from God’s purpose but clarity concerning what He has already determined in His sovereignty.
To that end, we must approach our Heavenly Father with a sense of dependence. Decisions that affect the church, our soul, or the course of our life require His direction. Spiritual decisions especially are not trivial matters and must not be treated lightly. They require careful attention and humble reliance upon God.[1] For without His guidance, we cannot know His will.
And prayer becomes the means by which we align with His will as it is an expression of dependence, a confession of limitation, and a request for direction. Through prayer we learn to trust His wisdom, even when it is not understood, and submit to His will, confident that His knowledge is perfect and His purposes are good.
Contemplations:
- Seeking Divine Direction. Lord, I know my understanding is limited and my reasoning often wrong. So I ask that You guide me in the decisions I face, showing me what You have chosen. Do not leave me to rely on my own understanding, but direct my steps according to Your wisdom.
- Confession of Self-Reliance. Gracious God, I have often acted without seeking Your counsel. I have trusted in my own thoughts and followed my own inclinations, neglecting to bring my concerns before You. Forgive this independence, which reflects a lack of trust in Your care. And teach me to depend on You in all things, recognizing my continual need for Your guidance.
- Desire for a Submitted Heart. Lord, give me a heart that is willing to accept Your will, even when it differs from my own desires. Remove from me the tendency to seek my own way, and grant me a spirit that submits to Your direction. Let me not only ask for Your guidance, but be ready to follow where You lead.
- Prayer for Spiritual Clarity. Father, I ask that You give clarity where there is confusion. When I am uncertain, show me the path I should take. When I am tempted to doubt, strengthen my confidence in Your wisdom. Let Your Word and Spirit work together to direct me, so that I may walk in truth and avoid error.
Prayer (Supplication)
Most wise and sovereign Lord, I come before You seeking Your direction and guidance. You are the one who knows the hearts of all men, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. My understanding is limited, and my perspective is narrow, but Your knowledge is perfect. I ask that You show me the way I should go and make clear what You have chosen.
I confess my dependence on You in every matter of life. Without Your guidance, I am prone to error and confusion. I ask that You not leave me to myself, but direct my thoughts, decisions, and actions according to Your will. Give me discernment to recognize what is right and strength to follow it.
Lord, I ask for humility in my approach to You. Remove pride and self-confidence that lead me to trust in my own reasoning.
And grant me patience as I wait for Your direction. Keep me from acting hastily or being driven by anxiety. Help me trust that Your timing is perfect and that Your answers will come in the way that is best. Strengthen my faith so that I may rest in Your wisdom, even when the path is not clear.
Lord, I also pray for guidance in matters that affect others. Where decisions impact the church or those around me, grant wisdom that reflects Your truth. Let every choice be made with a sense of responsibility before You, knowing that You will judge all things rightly.
I am grateful that Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Enlighten my understanding through the work of Your Spirit, so that I may discern Your will and walk in it. Guard me from deception and lead me in the way of truth.
Finally, I pray that You give me a heart that trusts You completely. Let me not be shaken by uncertainty, but remain steadfast in the knowledge that You are guiding all things according to Your purpose.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Acts 1:24:
1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 15:8; Jeremiah 17:10; John 2:24
[1] Thomas Foxcroft, A Discourse Preparatory to the Choice of a Minister, Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 2871 (Boston, N.E.: Gamaliel Rogers in Long Lane, for Samuel Gerrish at the lower end of Cornhill, 1727), 2-5.
