Practical Considerations for the Art of Discernment
Spiritual Discernment is best done in the company of a spiritual director or discernment group. We need a reflective presence to help us identify the movements within that are drawing us closer to God and those that are leading us away from God.
You may want to organize a group for a particular discernment or simply to practice the habit of discernment.
Prayer always surrounds the listening for the Spirit-so you will begin and end your time of deep listening together in prayer, either silent or spoken.
Discernment takes time so give yourself the luxury of enough time.
Listening to each other means making space for the other as well as making space for holy silences.
Try using this template to start with:
A Model for Discernment
Invite the Presence of God
• Through preparation of the space and the heart
Sit in Prayer
• Including scripture reading and silence
Ask the question
• Listen for the movement of the Spirit without judgment
Enter Conversation
• Making space for silence
• Listen to one another without judgment
• Identify common themes
• Focus on one theme
• What next steps shall you take?
End with Prayer of Gratitude
© 2008 The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James Monkton