As 2025 neared its end, I sought the Lord for the new year, how to pray about it, and what was needed going forward. During times of prayer, the answer came repeatedly to seek discernment in all things. We all need and can apply it in our personal lives, but it is equally important as we intercede for those in authority, because the lack of it can cause problems. The Lord Jesus even warned the disciples of increasing deception in the end times. The bottom line is that discernment will keep us from deception.

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Discernment Versus The Gift of Discerning of Spirits

The gift of discerning of spirits, one of the nine gifts available to believers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10, is specifically given to certain believers to discern the spirit behind a supernatural manifestation, or person/people. Some, whom the Holy Spirit has chosen, have this supernatural ability to sense a presence in a place, whether good or evil. God reveals the spirit and, more importantly, the source of it.

The word discern in Hebrew is בִּין (bin), meaning to understand, perceive, and consider. However, it is more than base-level thinking; it goes deeper than one’s general understanding and offers greater insight, along with the ability to distinguish between two things. In Greek, the word discern (διακρίνω, diakrinó) means to separate thoroughly, to decide or judge between, specifically when it comes to two similar things. This is a back-and-forth, reasoning positively or negatively and finally rendering a judgment between the two.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment isn’t about knowing the difference between right and wrong; it’s knowing the difference between what is right and what’s almost right.” Both the Hebrew and Greek definitions hinted at thoroughly judging between two similar things. Where the gift of discerning of spirits is focused on spirits, discernment is about separating truth from error.

Most believers know right from wrong, but deception can be subtle. It’s the voice of the cunning serpent in the garden whispering to the women, “Did the Lord really say that you would die?” Just as he twisted scriptures when he visited Jesus in the wilderness. Something can look and sound right, and still be off, which is why we need discernment. A counterfeit is a replica or imitation of something authentic, made intentionally to deceive. And without an untrained eye or knowledge of the authentic, deception creeps in at the door.

Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

While the gift of discerning of spirits isn’t given to all believers, all believers have the ability to use discernment. This scripture says that as we mature in our faith, we can train ourselves to discern both good and evil. If you want to grow in this, the Bible offers practical ways to do so. I would also like to note that it is imperative that we pray for the leaders in our nation to have wisdom and discernment. If we need it in our lives, how much more do they need it in their sphere of influence, as their decisions impact us.

Start at the Source (James 1:5)

This seems like it would be the first place we might start, the most obvious answer, and God is the ultimate source of wisdom. He is omniscient, the all-knowing. To operate in discernment, we need wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the place we begin in pursuit. It says knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The more we know God, the greater insight we have in His ways (see Proverbs 9:10).

• Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom for yourself. Is there an area you are lacking? Ask him.
• Pray that our leaders will seek God for wisdom and pursue Him for understanding.

Seek God First (Matthew 6:33)

Books and conferences are great, but there is no substitute for a personal relationship with God. Spending time with God is your key to growing in discernment. The more we come to know the Lord, the more we love Him, the more we love what He loves and hate what He hates, and the easier it will be to distinguish what He desires (truth) from what we want, which do not always align.

• Seek God first before you seek anything else. Make His Presence your top priority.
• Pray for your state/ national leaders to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If they profess faith in Christ, pray that they will be seekers of God and His kingdom before anything else. 

Fasting and Prayer (Daniel 9:30)

Prayer is the lifeline of every believer, but when combined with fasting, it becomes more effective. Fasting helps increase discernment. As we deny ourselves food or whatever we lay aside, we become more sensitive to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. The other voices, appetites, and influences that normally vie for our attention are temporarily silenced when we fast.

• Prayer comes naturally to believers, but let’s not neglect fasting.
• Pray for your state/national leaders that they will cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and be able to hear from God for themselves.

Don’t Neglect Your Bible (Hebrews 4:12)

We can read many books, but the Bible is the only book that can read to you. It is like a sword that divides. Your spirit wants to serve the Lord, and your soul does not. Until we learn how to possess our souls, they will yield to what the flesh wants. The word of God penetrates the deepest parts of our being, discerning our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. Our decisions, emotions, and motives can be tested by the Word of God. When we are out of line, the “sword” will cut, but it will also heal and realign us with God’s righteous standards.

• Pray that Christians will be people who love to study the Word of God.
• Pray that our leaders will also be men and women who know the Word of God and attend Bible studies.

Application Equals Cultivation (James 1:22)

Applying the Word of God to our lives is essential for personal growth, knowledge, and wisdom. The more we study and apply God’s Word and principles, the easier it will be to discern the authentic from the counterfeit. Your senses will be trained to discern between good and evil, just like the scripture says. When you sense it is from God (truth), you can proceed, and if it is not (error), you can shut it down immediately.

• Pray that we will not only study but also show ourselves approved and wise in applying the Word to our lives.
• Pray for our leaders to grow in the Lord and cultivate their relationship and discernment through the application of Biblical principles. (Being doers of the Word, not just hearers)

Seek Wise Counsel (Proverbs 19:20)

We began by asking God and seeking Him first, but wise counsel, if needed, is fine too. We should be connected to mature people of faith who the Lord can use to speak into our lives. They may perceive and see something we miss.

• Pray that we surround ourselves with wise counsel who can speak truth into our lives, especially if we are wrong.
• It is especially important for our leaders to be surrounded by godly men and women. Pray our leaders will surround themselves with the right people who give godly counsel, and that those with ulterior motives will be removed and replaced.

Put It To the Test (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

We are instructed to test all things. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to put it to the test. Use any of the aforementioned steps. Ask God what He thinks about it. He should be the first one we ask before making any decision? What does the Bible say? God will never ask you to do something that contradicts or violates His Word.

• Pray we would be discerning enough to test all things.
• Pray for our leaders to put things to the test and discern good from evil and truth from error in their lives, and for the good of our nation.

There is an obvious battle between light and darkness; there is also a battle for the truth. Discernment will separate truth from error and, equally important, the truth from the almost true. Half-truths are how the enemy deceives people. There is a bit of truth mixed with a lie, so it is palatable. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. This is such a word of wisdom for us today.

Father, we come before you not only for ourselves, but on behalf of those who are set in authority over us. We ask for wisdom because you said wisdom is the principal thing. You said that if we lack it, we can ask you for it, so that is why we are here. There is so much clamor around us, so many reports. Lord, we want to discern what You want in our lives and what You have to say about what is happening in our nation, so we can align our intercession with Yours. Eyes to see and ears to hear are both gifts from the Lord. Increase our spiritual capacity to walk in discernment, to separate the truth from the false and the half-truths, and to keep us from deception.

We pray for our leaders to have discernment in all things. We pray they will seek You and Your kingdom above anything else. Help them to trust in You and not lean on their own understanding. Your word promises that if they acknowledge you, you will make their path straight, and that is what we want for them. Keep them on a straight and narrow path that leads to life. Give them an understanding of how to govern the people in the states they are responsible for. Surround them with godly counsel and remove those who have other plans, who are secretly against them, or influence them to evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11).

Add your own prayers in the comments below.

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share.