1. I seek to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in a given matter. When you’re ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be, nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome.
2. Having done this, I don’t leave the result to feeling or simply impression. If I do so, I leave myself liable to great delusion.
3. I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, God’s Word. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Spirit guides us, He’ll do it according to the Scriptures, not contrary to them.
4. Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit.
5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me.
6. Thus, through prayer, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment, according to the best of my ability and knowledge.
If my mind is thus at peace, and continues after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly.
I have found this method always effective in trivial or important issues.
