Spiritual Practice of the Month: Discernment, Wk. 3

The spiritual practice of discernment is the holy process of listening in order to align one's self with God's will. St. Ignatius of Loyola offered a process of discernment that many have found helpful for centuries.

First, gather all the information you need in order to make a decision. It may be helpful to talk with people who know you well or who are particularly familiar with the situation you are exploring.

Then, focusing on one choice at a time, act as if you have made a particular decision while you pray through the positives and negatives. Note how it makes you feel to live as if this was the choice you had made. Do this over and over until you have worked through the possible decisions you could make.

Consider which decision brought you peace. If you have found peace, give that decision to God, and move forward in faith. If, however, you are still experiencing anguish over the decision, consider abandoning the decision-making for the time being and waiting for God to show you when the time is right, or explore possible alternatives and return to step two. 

What life-altering choices lie before you? Share your stories in the comments below.