Discernment

If I am serious about discovering God’s will, I must be clear about what I desire.  What is my goal?  What is motivating my heart?  What do I feel God and other people are inviting me to consider doing with my life?  Am I willing to respond?  Have I participated in activities, ministries, jobs, etc. that relate to what I find myself being called to do?  Have I explored all my options?  Am I willing to start eliminating options so I can be more open to certain directions?  Am I praying?  Am I talking about my discernment – my trying to figure out where I will best fit in and how I’m called to live my life?

Discernment in the Salesian Tradition
by Fr. Ken McKenna, OSFS

Steps in Discernment

Prayer

A life of prayer and not just in times of trouble:

“Then Jesus when out to the mountain to pray, spending the night in communion with God.”  (Lk.16:12)

Evidence

Gather facts about yourself:

abilities, and limitations (spiritual, mental, physical)

Gather facts about religious life:

talk to friends, family, Oblates

Openness

Look at your motivation and at what is inspiring you:

Matthew 19:16-23

Time

Be patient with yourself and with the Lord:

let some time pass to see if movements of peace are from yourself or if they are lasting and from the Lord

Peace

Sense of rightness, calm:

“Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude.  Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding will stand guard over your hearts and minds.”  (Phil. 4:6-7)

Inner peace, even if intellectually or otherwise you find what you are being called to do is difficult or at times unattractive

Decision

Make the most loving and life-giving choice:

Choose what you sense is God’s will as best as you can understand it.

“Love and then go where love demands.” Rev. James McLaren

Confirmation

After making a decision, give some more time to prayer and wait to see if your peace remains:

There should be a continuation of interior tranquility and satisfaction that I have made the best decision

Contact

Fr. Marty Lukas, OSFS
Vocation Director
2043 Parkside Avenue
Toledo, Ohio  43607
419-724-9851
mlosfs@aol.com