What does it mean to pray over a decision?

[yellow8yellowM]

What does it mean to pray over a decision? Let’s say a husband and wife need to decide how much money to donate to the church. I have heard people say that the first thing you should do is offer it up in prayer or pray over the decision.

What does this mean, practically speaking?
What do you do when there is still a disagreement?

Does this saying simply mean, “Discuss the decision in light of God’s will?”

 

[Inquiringperson]

What does it mean to pray over a decision? Let’s say a husband and wife need to decide how much money to donate to the church. I have heard people say that the first thing you should do is offer it up in prayer or pray over the decision.

What does this mean, practically speaking?
What do you do when there is still a disagreement?

Does this saying simply mean, “Discuss the decision in light of God’s will?”

To pray over a decision simply means praying to God so that you may know his will on a decision.

 

[William777]

I’m not sure of where you heard what you did, or what the speaker was specifically referring to… but…

In general, prayer has been identified as a raising of one’s mind to God…

We are supposed to turn to God in all that we do, so, if you have to make a decision, then you should be turning to God. Usually in reference to conversion of sinners, the process is called “metanoia”, which often refers to looking back to the Gospels for your answer.

I think that’s a pretty big proposition though. Knowing God’s will is a big step, and who would dare say they are that good?

The prayer process becomes one of discernment. Ultimately, we are supposed to “examination of our conscience” in order to accept the good and reject the bad. This highly orthodox process is recognized in the Catechism under the sections on prayer, and it comes from Ignatian thought.

Father Timothy Gallagher has an interpretive lecture series in video format of Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, some of which can be found here:

catholictv.com/Father-Tim-Gallagher.aspx

Although this is not the complete series, like it used to be, it does have the first few episodes concerning decision making. You may have to search around for the complete series, if you want to know more. Also, Fr Gallagher refers to “The Fourteen Rules”, which I have attached for you on this post.

I’ve been studying this for several years now. Some people dont like St Ignatius, as they think he was radical, but the Catechism is full of references to him.

If I were in your position, which I am, then - when I make any decision - I use the Rules and Scripture to serve the greater glory of God. That’s why we were born; that’s our purpose in life.

And, if I fail, then I go to confession. This gives God the glory, for we all fall at some point. But - where sin abounds - grace abounds all the more.

 

[Qwestions]

Hi, yellow. Merely ask God to help each of you talk over the decision and be able to reach a conclusion that will further your lives as God intends, while remaining amicable and friendly, not argumentative with each other. You ask Him to help you reach the decision that will best serve Him, while serving your family unit. In other words, you have multiple choices, any of which might further advance your family, or be in its best interest, but you ask Him to guide you in making the choice most pleasing to Him. When the time arrives for a final decisioin, and you have no clearcut answer, you know that you are not limited in your choice. Best wishes.

 

[Elizium23]

Part of prayer is offering worship and praise to God, petitioning Him and the saints for intercession and favors, and offering thanksgiving for prayers answered. But another part of prayer is merely allowing God to speak to us. We can do this by meditating, in a structured way such as praying the Rosary, or in an informal way just by concentrating deeply on the subject after asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. I participate in structured prayer such as Liturgy of the Hours or the Mass, but when I sit in the pew before Mass or during Adoration, I frequently just allow God to speak to me in my thoughts after offering Him my troubles.

 

[Inquiringperson]

Part of prayer is offering worship and praise to God, petitioning Him and the saints for intercession and favors, and offering thanksgiving for prayers answered. But another part of prayer is merely allowing God to speak to us. We can do this by meditating, in a structured way such as praying the Rosary, or in an informal way just by concentrating deeply on the subject after asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. I participate in structured prayer such as Liturgy of the Hours or the Mass, but when I sit in the pew before Mass or during Adoration, I frequently just allow God to speak to me in my thoughts after offering Him my troubles.

This is a great post!

 

[JRKH]

Great advice above…i will just add this.

While I generally dislike “sound bites”…the quip, “Let go and let God” fits this case somewhat. In matters that you are trying to discern, there are often several competing issues involved…the example of how much to give to the Church often involves a number of seemingly “competing” aspects.
So - what should one do?
Generally we review the various issues and then place the matter before God in prayer and “let it go”. In other words stop thinking much about it for a time and just listen for God’s (name removed by moderator)ut.
Many times when we come back to the matter later (few days maybe) we discover that God has given us the insight to properly understand His will in the matter.
Jesus tells us not to worry…That God knows before we ask. So often times it is just a matter of OUR need to open up to His grace and His will. We do that through our prayer…

Peace
James