The solution of your uncertainty is a matter that must be resolved between God and yourself. Continue to pray for his inspiration about what you are to do.

- St. Vincent de Paul

 

The two main Greek words translated as "discernment" are anakrino, meaning to examine or judge closely, and diakrino, to separate out, to investigate, to examine. Christian discernment is a process whereby one examines a situation or decision in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The purpose of discernment is to search in truth for a response that is consistent with the Gospel. To enter this process is itself a holy act which can give us Christ’s peace even when our decisions lead us to new questions, new works, and new beginnings.

Process of Discernment

Identify the content for the discernment

• What situation or choice am I examining?
• What in my experience, recently or over a longer period of time, brings me to this point of reflection?

Reflect upon the situation

• Create an environment of openness to the Spirit.
• Spend some time prayerfully listening to your self, to others, to the world, and to God in Scripture

Identify what you know about the situation

• Determine what information -facts, data, and/or experience- will impact the decision to be made.
• Consider your personal life, your family life, your friends, your relationship to God and to the Church, your work or ministry, your education, etc.
• Determine if there are other things you need to know to make a decision. What information is missing or incomplete?

Identify any feeling you have about the situation

• What feelings, emotions (pleasant and unpleasant) are part of the present situation.
• What feelings, emotions arise when you consider making a change
• What feelings, emotions arise when you consider not making a change.

Consider the Implications

• How would this decision affect my relationships?
• Consider your personal life, your family life, your friends, your relationship to God and to your faith community, your relationships at work or in ministry, your relationship to the world around you, etc.
• What steps will I have to take I make this decision?
• How will I be changed by this decision?
• In what ways would this decision help to create a more hopeful future?
• In what ways would this decision enable me to risk a caring response to the needs of our brothers and sisters?

Validate the Decision

• With whom will I openly and honestly search for confirmation of this discernment or decision? (friend, pastoral minister, spiritual director, other)

Be Accountable

• Once you have reached a decision, communicate with the appropriate people. Take the first step. Follow through on your choice. Continue to discern as you move along the path.

Discernment Resources
For more information on the discernment process, check out the following website: http://www.visionguide.org/

Scriptural Resources
Luke 11:1-13; I Corinthians 2:6-16; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; John 17:20-26;
1 Corinthians 1:4 – 9; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11

 

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