What is Discernment?

The word discernment means to “separate apart” so we might distinguish something in order for it to be perceived clearly.  It is the way in which we identify God’s will within the context in which we live, in being aware and attentive to God’s movement in our life.  Most of us do know God’s will because it has been revealed through the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.  However, there are times when God’s will is not so clear and we realize that we need to search for what God is asking of us.

Discernment is an art and it is learned by doing, not just reading about it.  It is a function of an individual’s personal relationship with the Lord.  When we desire to do God’s will, are willing to be open to God and have a solid knowledge of God, then discernment is possible.  Therefore, prayer is an essential component to the process of discernment.  To be a truly discerning person, we need to be humble, charitable and courageous.  As we become more familiar with the Lord in prayer, we will come to know that the “small still voice” speaks in peace never in turmoil, anxiety or restlessness. 

Some practical suggestions which will help a young person discern the Lord’s will for his/her life:

  1. Daily Mass - one who is discerning a call is encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass so that he/she can grow in relationship with the Lord.
  2. Sacrament of Penance – The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is the way in which one attempts to live a holy life - through the frequent confession of sins and by the grace of God.
  3. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – this is a powerful way to grow in love with the Eucharistic Lord and to grow in the spiritual life.
  4. Daily Prayer – this is time set aside for God alone, usually in a quite place at a specific time each day.  This prayer time might consist of talking to the Lord in one’s own words or praying the Sacred Scriptures, especially the Gospels.  Developing a daily habit and pattern of prayer will help the young person to hear more clearly the call of the Lord.
  5. Spiritual Direction – speaking with a priest or qualified individual trained in direction about one’s prayer life and seeking advice from this person on a regular basis is very helpful as one discerns a vocation. 
  6.  Discernment Programs – attending a weekend discernment retreat, visiting a seminary, vocation evenings or joining a discussion group of other young people discerning a vocation are invaluable in helping one to come to greater clarity about God’s call.
  7. Devotion to the Blessed Mother & Prayer with all the Saints – praying the rosary and seeking the powerful intercession of Mary as well as reading of the lives of the Saints and asking for their intercession in discerning God’s will.
  8. Get to know good priests, religious, married couples to see vocation lived – Contact with people living a vocation that you may feel called to helps one discern if there is an attraction to their lifestyle.
  9. Get involved in some form of service with the Church For example, outreach to the poor, serving in youth ministry, lecturing at Mass, taking Holy Communion to the sick, etc. are ways of giving oneself away to those in need and may also increase one’s desire for a life of ministry and service.
  10. Talk to a Vocation Director – in order to obtain further information about seminary, priestly life, religious life, consecrated life, and marriage.  The vocation director may also help through regular meetings so as to help in discerning with the young person the authenticity of the call from God.
  11. Living a virtuous life, following the way of Christ – One must live according to the truth of God to be able to hear his voice when He calls and understand his language.