Presuppositions for discernment

As we begin any discernment process, there are some assumptions that we make. It is crucial that we come before God as people of prayer…the real me before the real God.

We know that God’s desire for us is that we be healthy, happy, holy people. The deepest desires of our heart let us know what is most meaningful for us in life.

You might be wondering what personal qualities we need to bring to such discernment. These are some of the most important elements: the ability to be honest with ourselves, openness and a great deal of inner freedom. It is important to realize that we need others to assist us in this process because they can sometimes hear what we can’t and see what we may have missed.

What is discernment?

Discernment is a model of Christian decision making discovered by St. Ignatius of Loyola through his own human experience and desire to do God’s will. This process invites us to use our ability to think, imagine and feel. This is how God speaks to us. The goal of any discernment is to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings and imagination and to notice what they seem to be saying to us.

Discernment Made Simple

1. Define very clearly and succinctly the matter for discernment.
2. Gather relevant information.
3. Use your imagination. Picture yourself in a particular situation and note your reactions, feelings, responses.
4. Brainstorm all possibilities; create options for yourself.
5. Pay attention, throughout the process, to what God is saying (through people, in the Scriptures, key events in your personal history) Journal what you discover.
6. Spend time listing the cons – all the reasons not to decide this option. Note what you experience internally as you consider not deciding this option.
7. List all of the advantages (pros) and keep checking in with your heart. Where do you experience peace? Real life? Hints of joy? An “at-homeness”? Energy? Hope?
8. Go with the direction of consolation and expect confirmation/affirmation. (Signs of confirmation could be: peacefulness, things just fall in place, feeling a “coming home to self” (your best self).

For further information:
www.visionguide.org
www.vocacioncatolica.com
www.catholicsoncall.org

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