Discernment
Discernment is the prayerful process of trying to recognize God's will in a decision, whether a major life choice like a vocation or a smaller everyday matter.
Prayer and Reflection
Discernment typically combines prayer, honest reflection on one's motives and desires, and often conversation with a trusted spiritual director or mentor.
Signs the Church Looks For
Traditionally, Catholic spirituality looks for interior peace, consistency with Church teaching, and the input of others as signs a decision is truly of God rather than driven by fear or ego.
Related Prayers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is discernment only for choosing a vocation?
No — the same prayerful process applies to smaller decisions too, from a job change to how to respond to a difficult relationship.
What if I feel torn between two good options?
Catholic spiritual tradition (especially Ignatian spirituality) offers specific tools for exactly this — weighing which option brings deeper, lasting peace rather than fleeting excitement.