1.  Commands of Scripture

Scripture is a gift handed on to us by previous generations.  It contains accounts of people’s relationship with God, provides lessons, teachings, insights, and words of expression for deeply felt emotions and belief.  Scripture is replete with words of guidance.  This is why it is referred to as a “living word”.  The words have impact today.  Reading and thinking on scripture can guide our minds to new and holy thoughts and provide lessons, teachings and insights. 

2. Common Sense

Scripture tells us we are made in the image of God.  We have intellect and understanding that is meant to guide us into good decisions.  If we think God is guiding to do something yet that something violates common sense that thing should be considered very carefully.  Perhaps it should not be pursued unless one or several of these other ways of receiving God’s guidance also support that belief. 

3.  Counsel of the Saints

In scripture “saints” are those who believe in and know Christ.  When seeking God’s will it is good to seek the counsel of the saints – one or several Christians who are faithful, steady, spiritual knowledgeable and spiritually aware.  We trust that if God is speaking to us of his will in something, God will also make that will known to others through our interaction with them and their prayer for insight.  If, for example, you feel God is guiding you to become a teacher but everyone you know – particularly faithful, spiritually sensitive people - say they can’t see it and think you should reconsider, you should probably reconsider.  Seek the direction of some of the other means of discerning mentioned here before proceeding.  Regarding “counsel of the saints” keep in mind that people with good manners often will not offer opinions unless invited to do so.  If you need to take counsel, invite these conversations and intentionally blanket them in prayer.

4.  Compelling Spirit

Scripture tells us that, “God is spirit, and we must worship him in spirit and truth”.  We read also that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit”.  That is to say that God himself dwells within us once we have opened our hearts to him.  So, guidance sometimes comes from a place deep within us that compels us forward.  Note that God builds up.  When scripture says we must “test the spirits”, it means that any spiritual message we receive in our spirit must be considered and tested against what we know of God to ensure that it is God’s voice that we are hearing.

5.  Circumstantial Situations

God’s hands go deeply into the inner workings of the world.  People who we meet and seemingly random interactions can be ways God is directing and guiding us.  Pay attention to who and what crosses your path.  Keep your eyes open for doors that are open right there in front of you.  God’s call to you begins right where you are. 

A Prayer for Guidance

Direct us, O Lord, with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in thee we may glorify thy Holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.