How Ignatius' Rules of Discernment Changed My Life

Allison Brown shares how Dan Brown's book, Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits, offered comfort and perspective during a difficult time.

Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits

by Dan Burke

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

About five and a half years ago, I was a mess. I was struggling with severe anxiety and some paranoia. I was struggling to function. This had been an ongoing issue all my life. I suffered terribly as a child with anxiety that led to a fear of leaving the house. My anxiety would lead me to vomit. By adulthood, I would often be frozen in my anxiety, unable to move or function on a daily basis. It interfered with every aspect of my life. I felt so trapped and often in despair.  

As I began searching for more and sensing Jesus calling me closer to Him, I saw a book advertised in a Facebook group that grabbed my attention. The group advertised a new book by Dan Burke: Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits, which was about to be published. 

In his book, Dan discusses St Ignatius's rules of discernment and how to be aware and recognise if the voice is of God, the enemy, or our own. He explains what desolation and consolations are and what action we should take following Ignatius's rules. 

I'll never forget how this book demanded my attention and how it yanked me to my feet (in a spiritual sense). 

At the beginning of the book, Dan gives a personal testimony about his life. Tears were rolling down my face as Dan spoke about his childhood. It was the first time I had read or heard someone in the Catholic Church talk about abuse and trauma. Dan's vulnerability stirred something inside my heart. God knew I needed to hear what Dan had to say. 

My anxiety was a massive hindrance for me. It led me to keep the world at arm's length. It led me to feel the urgency in reacting and making decisions without any practice of prudence. It kept me in a place without much peace, and constantly vigilant. 

I knew that anxiety was the result of my body telling me that something was wrong, and I may be under threat. 

Until then, I had never heard the explanation or perspective that Dan offered in his book. It was a comforting realisation to learn that my anxiety was a call for healing.

Whenever events surface that cause us anxiety, they are an invitation from God to healing. They are similar to the warning lights on the dashboards of our cars. They let us know that something is wrong and needs to be remedied

As I practised the rules of discernment, I slowly became stronger with each battle I faced. It was like I had been handed a weapon to use in battle. 

Saint Ignatius' Rules of Discernment Taught Me: 

• I need to always be prudent. Urgency is not from God. When that feeling surfaces, I need to step back and pause.
• The voice I hear (telling me I am a burden, or unlovable) is most likely not mine.
• The enemy HATES to be exposed to the light.
• Being vulnerable and trusting a good and holy friend or spiritual director is vital.
• The enemy is persistent, incredibly stupid, predictable, boring, and an imbecile.
• Remaining consistent is the key (especially in desolation).
• Being able to recognise the voices/spirits by the fruits and to know what action to take (Be aware, Understand, Take action) has significantly helped reduce my anxiety levels.
• Asking for prayers sooner rather than later is essential.
• Consolations prepare me for the next round of desolations.
• Desolation is an invitation from the Lord that can lead to more healing.

The book Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits led me to a door God called me to open and walk through. Behind this door was an invitation from the Lord to healing. 

I still struggle most days with various health problems, but my mental health is the best it has ever been. The difference is noticeable as I look back over the years. My life has been transformed through Jesus Christ. He has brought healing and peace to my heart.

Today, I know that I do not walk alone. Jesus holds me close within His merciful and loving heart. As long as Jesus is by my side and I remain close to Him, I know that nothing is impossible and all things are possible through Him. I have nothing to be anxious about because I have the Almighty King and all of Heaven on my side, fighting for my salvation. 

Recommended Resources  

Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke

Highly recommended: Dan Burke's courses on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits and Foundations of Prayer and Union with God, both found at Avila-Institute.org 

Free video series: Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

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Copyright 2025 Allison Brown
Images: Canva