Facing a decision, a crossroads or an uncertain future, the psalms teach us to ask God for direction: “Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.” Below are eight psalms for guidance, each with its key verses in the Catholic Douay-Rheims Bible, a short explanation and a link to the full psalm where we have one, followed by tips for discernment and a prayer for guidance.
1. Psalm 25: show me your ways
Let all them be confounded that act unjust things without cause. Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.
Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Saviour; and on thee have I waited all the day long.
A humble prayer to be taught God’s paths. Read the full Psalm 25.
2. Psalm 32: I will instruct you
I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way, in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee.
God himself promises to guide us and keep his eye on us. Read the full Psalm 32.
3. Psalm 119: a lamp to my feet
Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
From the longest psalm, a hymn to God’s word: Scripture lights the next step (Psalm 118 in the Douay-Rheims).
4. Psalm 143: teach me to do your will
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land:
Not only “what should I do?” but “teach me to do thy will.” Read the full Psalm 143.
5. Psalm 37: commit your way to the Lord
Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.
Entrust your plans to God. Read the full Psalm 37.
6. Psalm 16: the path of life
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end.
God shows the way that leads to joy. Read the full Psalm 16.
7. Psalm 27: lead me on a level path
Set me, O Lord, a law in thy way, and guide me in the right path, because of my enemies.
Guidance in times of opposition. Read the full Psalm 27.
8. Psalm 86: teach me your way
Conduct me, O Lord, in thy way, and I will walk in thy truth: let my heart rejoice that it may fear thy name.
A prayer for a heart undivided in following God (Psalm 85 in the Douay-Rheims).
How to seek God’s guidance
- Pray before deciding, and listen in silence. See lectio divina.
- Read Scripture: God’s word is “a lamp to my feet.”
- Examine your heart daily for peace or restlessness. See the daily examen.
- Ask advice from wise and faithful people, and a priest or spiritual director.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of counsel. See Come, Holy Spirit.
- For a vocation, see the prayer for vocations.
A prayer for guidance
Written for this page:
Lord, show me your ways and teach me your paths.
Your word is a lamp to my feet; let me see the next step.
I commit my way to you: teach me to do your will,
and lead me on the path of life to the joy of your presence. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What psalm asks God for guidance?
Psalm 25 (“Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths”) and Psalm 143 (“Teach me to do thy will”) are classic prayers for guidance.
Where is “Your word is a lamp to my feet”?
Psalm 119:105 (118:105 in the Douay-Rheims).
More prayers for guidance
- Psalm 119 (the longest psalm, a lamp to my feet)
- Psalm 86 (Incline your ear, O Lord)
- Prayer for vocations
- Come, Holy Spirit prayer
- Psalms for strength
- Psalms for anxiety
Texts and sources
- Scripture: Psalms 24 (25), 31 (32), 118 (119), 142 (143), 36 (37), 15 (16), 26 (27), 85 (86), Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
- The prayer was written for this page.