Discerning the Discernment Process

How do we go about discerning God’s will in our lives? Pam Spano offers advice and a prayer for times of discernment.

Discernment is one of those complex processes that can be overworked in the brain. If you are a worrier, or a person who is impatient, it can be an excruciating journey.

While searching for something else, I stumbled on a couple of things about discernment that redirected my search to the definition of discernment.

What is discernment? Discernment is the ability to judge well. In a Christian context, it is perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding. 

How do we go about discerning God’s will in our lives? Wait for a sign? What sign? Words from a book? An offhand comment from a friend? A brick from heaven? In more practical terms, perhaps guidance from a spiritual director.

What if you’re on your own?

I found this list by Fr. Wade Menezes:

1. The idea is in accord with sacred scripture as upheld by both sacred tradition and the Magisterium of the Church.

2. The idea involves an element of faith, and at the same time, it strengthens faith.

3. The idea comes to you while praying.
   
   
4. The idea fosters your interior and exterior charity, and at the same time it fosters hope.

5. The idea is often repeated within your intellect, while at the same time it is in accord with human reason, and it brings you great peace.

6. The idea grows stronger within you over time.
   
   
   

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How do we go about discerning God’s will in our lives? Wait for a sign? What sign? #catholicmom

The next step would be a prayer for discernment, and I found a lovely one by Pedro Arrupe, S.J.:

Grant me, O Lord, to see everything now with new eyes, to discern and test the spirits that help me read the signs of the times, to relish the things that are yours, and to communicate them to others.

Give me the clarity of understanding that you gave Ignatius.

My prayer for all of you would be that the list and prayer help you in your discernment journey. Please pray for me as I embark on mine.

Copyright 2022 Pam Spano
Images: Canva