Discernment Tools: Pray, Reflect, Decide
How these tools help
These practices are simple companions for prayer and reflection. They can support mental and spiritual wellbeing, but they are not a substitute for professional therapy. If you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, or crisis, please reach out to a trusted adult or professional.
Walk with someone: a mentor, spiritual companion, or small group often helps us notice God’s invitations. We are glad to accompany you.
5 steps in 10–15 minutes
Try this each evening:
Reflection prompts: Where was I most alive? What drained me? Where did I cooperate with God’s love? What needs healing?
Tip: Set a gentle timer for each step.
- Become aware (1–2 min): Breathe slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit for light.
- Gratitude (2 min): Name 3 gifts from today.
- Review (4–5 min): Replay the day. Where did I sense peace, strain, joy, resistance?
- Sorry & receive mercy (2 min): Acknowledge misses; rest in God’s kindness.
- Look ahead (2–3 min): What’s tomorrow’s grace I need? One concrete step.
Reflection prompts: Where was I most alive? What drained me? Where did I cooperate with God’s love? What needs healing?
Tip: Set a gentle timer for each step.
A simple method with a sample
Method (15–20 min):
Sample: Luke 24:13–35 (Emmaus). After reading, journal the word that stayed with you and why.
Closing prayer: “Stay with me, Lord, and set my heart on fire for your Word.”
- Read (Lectio): Slowly read a short Gospel passage. Notice a word/phrase.
- Meditate (Meditatio): What draws me? What is God showing me?
- Pray (Oratio): Speak to Jesus in your own words.
- Contemplate (Contemplatio): Rest quietly with Him.
- Live (Actio): Choose one small action today.
Sample: Luke 24:13–35 (Emmaus). After reading, journal the word that stayed with you and why.
Closing prayer: “Stay with me, Lord, and set my heart on fire for your Word.”
Themes for a week of reflection
Try one theme per day:
Weekly plan tip: Set a 15-minute timer. End each entry with one next step.
- Identity: What names has God spoken over me?
- Desires: What do I deeply long for—and why?
- Fears: What am I avoiding? What would courage look like?
- Gratitude: 10 small gifts from today.
- Relationships: Who helps me become more loving? Who do I need to forgive?
- Service: Where can my gifts meet a real need?
- Rest: What restores me body, mind, and spirit?
Weekly plan tip: Set a 15-minute timer. End each entry with one next step.
Weigh options with prayer
How it works: List your options across the top; list criteria down the side:
Faithfulness (draws me toward Christ and the Church),
Gifts (uses what God has given me), Needs (serves a real need),
Joy (brings life and peace).
Pray briefly, then rate each 1–5 with notes. Notice movements of consolation/desolation rather than chasing perfect scores.
Mini example (two options): Option A scores higher on Joy and Gifts; Option B on Needs. Pray, talk with a mentor, and choose a small experiment for one week.
Mini example (two options): Option A scores higher on Joy and Gifts; Option B on Needs. Pray, talk with a mentor, and choose a small experiment for one week.
Rhythms that fit your season
Choose gentle, realistic rhythms:
- Prayer: Daily 10–15 min + Sunday Eucharist.
- Study: One Scripture paragraph or spiritual reading per day.
- Service: Weekly act of concrete love.
- Rest: One tech-light evening; Sabbath habits that restore joy.
Half-day at home or nearby
Simple schedule (3–4 hours):
- Arrive & unplug (10 min): Silence phone; brief prayer for openness.
- Scripture & journal (40 min): Use the Lectio section above.
- Walk or quiet rest (30 min): Let thoughts settle with God.
- Examen check-in (20 min): Notice movements since you began.
- Spiritual reading (30 min): A chapter from a trusted spiritual classic.
- Commitment (10 min): One grace noticed; one small step.