Discernment

Laying a foundation for discernment

Day 1

We may want to begin each writing-praying time, during this discernment retreat, by reciting St. Ignatius’ Suscipe.

Day 2

We pray for light. Think about the dark. Darkness has a bad rap, but darkness holds many secrets and beauties. We remember, reflect and write on an experience of darkness, either a metaphysical or physical darkness. I compare and contrast my current situation with that memory.

Day 3

I write about a time when One of the Trinity called me to His side; i.e. invited me to a deeper relationship with Him. I remember committing my life to Christ in a concrete way, e.g. a retreat, sacrament, or momentous achievement.

Day 4

I write a list of all that you are grateful for, either setting a time limit or target number. Do any of the situations, people, things, etc. on the list surprise me? I write about one such item.

Day 5

I reflect on a past situation in which I followed my intuition, perhaps despite objects from others, or my own reasonable doubts, and it turned out “right.” Also, I recall a time when I did something which didn’t feel “right,” but I had  ignored my gut feeling because I couldn’t explain it.

Day 6

I read and reflect on Matt 14:22-33, journaling or drawing a picture about a tempest I have withstood. Did I hide in the boat, or like Peter ventured to walk water towards Jesus? What happened? Can I forgive myself for either refusing to walk on the water, or failing to do so successfully, if need be? How can you draw strength from this past experience?

Day 7

I draw a spiritual map or time-line of your spiritual life thus far. I might include a key, landscaping such as rivers, trees and mountains (metaphorical, of course), and some representation of distances and time. Write about the feelings that have surfaced in this creation.

Day 8

Some people define a paradigm as the questions we ask about the world, people, situations. A social worker and an accountant don’t simply make different evaluations or conclusions than the other does, they ask completely different questions.  List or write about the questions you typically ask about the world. List the questions that you might ask if you were thinking like Jesus. What is His paradigm?

Day 9

What gifts has God given me in the past? How did I offer these gifts back to God? God does nothing but give out of His limitless abundance; what is He giving me presently? What do I need from God to use these gifts more fully? How does my present need for discernment relate to these gifts?

Day 10

I explore the following questions: What gets me out of bed in the morning? What is important to me? What are the roles that I fulfill? What is the purpose of life? What is the purpose of my life? After I reread what I’ve written, I circle key words. Read St. Ignatius’ Foundation and Principle. Following this, I use the key words I circled and create a personal foundation and principle.

Day 11

I cut or find a square piece of paper, cutting down an index card is ideal. I fill in my ‘square one’ with words and phrases which ground me in the blessings, purpose, paradigm and invitation of my current situation. I may reflect in prose on my Square 1 after its creation.

 

The Discernment Process

Day 12

I’m participating in this retreat because I face a big decision. I think about this decision in and of itself. Is it a “lesser of two evils” decision, a “take it or leave it” decision, a “right vs. wrong decision”, or a “good-better-best” decision? How does this sort of labeling help me?

Day 13

According to Saint Ignatius, it is important that we bring before God what we desire. Sometimes desires can be confusing or conflictual, however, I bring all of my desires to Him. I write and pray, what is the deeper desire underneath each desire?

Day 14

I brainstorm my choices, seek advice, write down all possible options. After dismissing any that are unrealistic or impractical due to circumstances, or incompatible with current commitments and responsibilities, I reflect on each choice. How does this option bring me closer to God? How does it encourage holiness in others? How will it affect the relationships I am in currently? Who will be affected by my decision? How might it change my identity?

Day 16

I notice and reflect on any unusual occurrences, interruptions, or commonplace situations, objects or people that seem suddenly different to me. What might God be trying to communicate to you?

Day 17

Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, in God’s Voice Within, uses the term “praydream.” I Praydream each possible course of action, separately, giving myself time to experience each potentiality. If I am struggling to imagine the new situation, I may not have enough information. I gather the information that is missing, if need be. I explore the details of my prayer dream, and the feelings and energy I  felt during the experience.

Day 18

With these exercises completed, I have probably determined my course of action. Often we approach discernment as a “one right answer” sort of task, however, God makes good out of any conscience effort of ours to follow His will. I explore my feelings and insights about the decision itself, my process in determining action, and my final-for-now decision.

There are many books about discernment. Some of these exercises were created from ideas explored in Mark Thibodeaux’s God’s Voice Within, and Margaret Silf’s Wise Choices.