I spend a lot of my time at work sending emails, links, presentations, Word docs, and creative work out for review. Often, I come to a point where I must ask my creative director what he’d like me to do next or how he’d like me to approach a project.  

How can I help next?
What would you like me to do with the information on this? 

How would you like me to handle this piece of the project? 

— Please advise. 

I ask the questions. I seek direction. I prepare for next steps. And when I receive clarification, I act on it. 

As this phrase—please advise—has become part of my daily vernacular, I’ve started transitioning it into my time of prayer with my Heavenly Father. 

What do you want us to do about this house?

Should I try that supplement or change my medication?

What would you like me to do in this situation?

How can I show up better here?

Should I explore this idea?
— Holy Spirit, please advise. 

The common thread I’ve found here is surrender, asking the Holy Spirit to direct my steps and believing that He will answer. Of course, He has given me free will and I can act how I best see fit, but this phrasing of prayer ultimately acknowledges the Lord’s power and direction. 

I don’t want to over-spiritualize every detail of my life, but I know in my heart of hearts that Jesus cares about my life. He cares about the details and He has a good plan for them—and I want to hear from Him. I want Him to direct my steps. I want His input on all these things. So for the next little bit, you can catch me repeating this phrase over and over until it’s so ingrained in my heart that I don’t have to utter it any more—Holy Spirit, please advise. 

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P.S. Catch the other posts on prayer—like this one on participating in our prayers and this one featuring a list of promises from God.