1. To seek to get your heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in a given matter. In other words, simply tell the Lord you’ll do anything He says. When we are ready to do the Lord’s will–whatever it may be–nine tenths of the difficulties are overcome.
2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If I do so I make myself liable to great delusions.
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 Holy Spirit guides us He will do it-according to the Scriptures, never contrary to them.
4. I take next into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will, in connection with His Word and Spirit.
5. I ask God to reveal His will to me.
6. Through prayer, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgement according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If my mind is thus at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective in trivial or important issues.