Committee on Preparation for Ministry Resources

“Discernment is a way of seeking God’s will in making decisions about our lives. It is about congruence. Discernment is about allowing God to enter into decisions about life in ways that set aside ego, personal needs and wants, and brings God into the process with full voice, as quiet and mysterious as that voice can be. Discernment is about taking the questions we have to God, as well as to other trusted friends and colleagues and seeking answers. Not our answers, but God’s answers in our lives. Discernment is about the discipline of asking questions of God and others and disciplined listening for answers, trusting that the Holy Spirit is speaking, however uncomfortable and exciting that voice may be. Discernment is about surrendering to the voice of the Spirit and trusting that the path before us is God’s path for us. Discernment is about risk. Risking our lives with the Holy Spirit.” (excerpt from Discerning Your Call and Your Gifts to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament)