Discernment Resources for Catholics
How to find clarity and hear God’s voice with Ignatian wisdom and discernment
Saint Ignatius of Loyola by S.A. Bolswert af Wellcome. Wikimedia Commons.
Scripture Readings for Discernment
The Call of Samuel: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
1 Sam 3:1-10The Annunciation: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”
Lk 1:26-56Jesus Calls His First Disciples: “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Mt 4:18-22
Prayer of St. Ignatius
Dearest Jesus teach me to be generous. Teach me to love and serve You as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost. to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and to look for no reward, except that of knowing that I do Your Holy Will. Amen
Prayers for Discernment
Prayer to Do God’s Will (Thomas Merton)
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me Nor do I really know myself, And the fact that I think I am following Your will Does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You Does in fact please You. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road Though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust You always though, I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, And You will never leave me to face my struggles alone. Amen.
Discernment Prayer (Sisters of Notre Dame)
Walk with me, good and loving God, as I journey through life. May I take Your hand and be led by Your Holy Spirit. Fill me, inspire me, free me to respond generously to Your call. For I believe You desire my deepest joy, And it is only in Your company That my soul will be satisfied And my life will find its meaning and purpose. Amen
Prayer of Discernment said Before the Crucifix (St. Francis)
Most High, glorious God, Enlighten the darkness of my heart, And give me right faith, Certain hope, And perfect charity, Wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command. Amen.
Catholic Songs for Discernment (Spotify List)
The Summons by Robert Kochis
Lord, When You Came to the Seashore by Kitty Cleveland
Here I Am Lord by John Michael Talbot
Books on Catholic Discernment
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: Self-examination and spiritual meditations for Catholic discernment
Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making by Timothy M. Gallagher
What Does God Want? A Practical Guide to Making Decisions Michael T.O.R. Scanlan & James Manney
Bonus Resources
Ignatian Discernment Institute: Teaching discernment trainings
Discernment of Spirits: Podcast series by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Discerning God's Will in Your Life: Explaining the Faith by Fr. Chris Alar
