Discernment is the process of prayerfully watching, listening to, and questioning God and your community as to what vocation you are being called.  Vocational discernment should be understood as something different from the ‘official discernment process’ with the institutional Church.  This ‘official’ process is an important part of one’s discernment, but it should not be considered the only way to do discernment.  All Christians, whether they feel that they are called to ordained ministry or not, are called to a life of prayerful discernment.

Discernment should be understood in the context of a life of prayer and relationship with God.  God in Christ is with us always and especially when we take time just to listen to the still small voice that speaks to us from beyond.  In this context of a relationship with God in Christ, God often brings us to decisive moments about where God is guiding us in our lives.  Those moments call for specific discernment for a specific way of living.

There are many different techniques of opening ourselves to God while discerning where God is calling us.  When we open ourselves to God, we consider God’s purposes above our own.  It is also important to remember to open your process of discernment to your spiritual communities.  Discernment is a process, and is not something that happens all at once in one period of prayer.  It takes time and patience. It happens in God’s time, not our own.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 15th Century Spanish priest and the founder of the Jesuits, laid out several principals of spiritual discernment in his classic work The Spiritual Exercises.  Ignatius said that the purpose of all life is to glorify God, and whatever choices we make should be to fulfill that end.  With this purpose of all life in mind, it is possible to ask God what choice one is to make.  First, clearly state and place before God what is the decision to be made.  Second, look at the advantages and disadvantages of making each alternative choice.  While doing this, remember the purpose of all life is to glorify God.  While considering the advantages and disadvantages, try to understand the power and promise of each choice equally. You will open yourself to feeling the love of God move you in one direction or another.

Ignatius also suggests several other exercises.  First, picture in your mind’s eye a person who is making the same choice as you are, and imagine what you would discuss with them about the choice and what you would tell them to do.  He also suggests considering in your mind’s eye yourself at the point of death, and imagine how you want to remember your life, and how you want others to remember you.  Think about how you would want to have made this choice now, then.

There are many different techniques, processes and programs for discernment.  St. Ignatius’ techniques are just one of them.  As you begin this process, explore different ways and resources to help you with discernment.  Some are listed on this web site.  Many people find companions and guides on the way to be an important part of their discernment – spiritual directors, confessors and other pastors can be an enormous help.  When in doubt, choose love.  Remember, you do not walk this path alone. Christ walks with you.