What is Discernment?
Discernment is the spiritual practice of noticing the movement within your heart and soul, identifying the thoughts, desires, and emotions that motivate them, and using these insights to decide where God is leading you. In discernment we need to let go of a preconceived outcome. A decision can provide a conclusion whereas discernment provides a direction. Some situations in which we might discern a loving response with God include:
- Choosing between two job offers.
- Discerning the health of an ongoing relationship.
- Deciding on a move to another part of the country.
- Discerning a vocational call to marriage, religious life, single life or an ordained ministry.
The kinds of decisions we are talking about are made between two morally permissible choices. In other words, both can be good decisions for our life.
Begin With Prayer ...
Begin to develop a regular life of prayer, asking the Spirit for guidance. Pray for a listening heart. Foster times of silence, a slower pace and quiet reflection. There are many forms of prayer; find the one that works for you. Remember that God speaks to us in our everyday lives as well. Make time for good friends, adequate rest, and greater balance. Seek out a spiritual guide who is trained in listening to another’s inner experience and is able to companion one with a discerning heart.
During Quiet Reflection Consider ...
- Am I hearing God’s voice in my life? Are my choices and experiences moving me closer to God or further from God?
- Do the needs of the world concern me?
- Am I able to be happy with others, and when I am alone?
- Do I know my gifts, my interests, my talents, my limitations, my likes and dislikes? What would I bring to community and ministry?
- Do I have healthy relationships? Do I seek opportunities to be of service to others?