Discernment

Discernment is the process by which we discover God’s will for us. Be patient. It takes time and does not happen in a vacuum. Discernment involves all the experiences of our lives — how God has called and formed us. A healthy discernment puts our gifts into focus and, equally important, cuts away what is not necessary. Read on to discover healthy steps for discernment, an online vocation match tool, videos, common questions and more!

Steps for discernment

Ask God regularly what your vocation is, and pray for guidance and insight.
Ask Jesus to be part of major decisions in your life, and be attentive to the fruit of the Holy Spirit (joy, peace, gratitude, etc.) to make sure what you desire is what God desires.
Ask people who live different vocations (married, religious, priests, deacons) about the blessings and challenges of their vocations.
Ask people you trust and respect, including your pastor, for guidance as to how they think God might be asking you to love.
Be active in the life of the Church.
Participate in the sacraments, study the faith and grow in your own personal prayer life.
Be of service to your brothers and sisters and engage with your community.
Learn and follow the Church's primary teachings for growing in holiness.
Develop and understand your particular gifts, and where those overlap with the greatest need in your local community. (Successful discernment also includes discovering where you don't have gifts.)

Books and resources

Discerning the Will of God
By Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV
Distills guidance from St. Ignatius of Loyola on discernment. Offers clarity especially on trying to discern between two good options. Father Gallagher includes a number of stories of those discerning vocations to priesthood, religious life and marriage to illustrate St. Ignatius' teachings in action.

Discerning God's Will for You
By St. Francis de Sales
Classic on discernment including ways to recognize that a thought or sentiment comes from God, and signs of a heart conforming to God's will.

How to Discern God's Will for Your Life (free eBook)
By Bishop Robert Barron
Short book on discernment written in question-and-answer format. Bishop Barron answers questions on where and how to begin discerning, fear of moving forward, and the role of life circumstances on discernment.

What Does God Want?
A Practical Guide to Making Decisions
By Fr. Michael Scanlon, TOR
Father Scanlon outlines practical ways to incorporate God in all of our decisions. Helpful for discernment, but also for any decision. Beginning with whether or not the decision conforms to God's will, Father Scanlon moves into how the potential decision affects our conversion, and how we can confirm the decision is from God, as well as facing difficulties.

Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry
Five Steps to Discerning God's Will
By Jackie & Bobby Angel and Father Mike Schmitz
With perspectives from a priest and a married couple, this book offers a clear five-step process to discerning God's will. This practical book is best read prayerfully, as there are reflection questions to consider at the end of each chapter. Helpful in discerning not only a vocation, but any major decision.