Discernment Guide
Paying Attention to Divine Movements
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” ~ John 10:27
The exercise of discernment presupposes a number of essential conditions: First, that the discernment we seek would come from God, from the source of Truth, and not from lesser sources. Second, that we are willing to submit ourselves to a wiser guide than our own instincts (even while recognizing that God can speak through our instincts). Third, that hearing the voice of God depends necessarily upon a relationship with God.
This last point is crucial, for God cannot be manipulated. God is always seeking to reveal the divine heart and the divine intent. But only those who want God’s person more than God’s wisdom can access the wisdom. God is, if nothing else, relational. So, in the context of your relationship with God, here are some deeply practical ways to discern God’s leading.
Definition
The Question: name your question or issue first.
Ask God to lead you to know whether the question you’re holding is the root question or a peripheral one.
Frame your question now.
Preparation
Prayer of Indifference
The prayer of indifference is a request to let go of all your vested interests in the decision and an abandonment to the good will of God. It’s a declaration that all I want is what God wants—nothing less, nothing more, nothing else. It’s a statement of radical trust. Voice your prayer for indifference now.
Mention any specific attachments to the outcome that you’d like to release.
Prayer for Wisdom
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” ~ James 1:5
Write your own prayer for wisdom.
Prayer of Quiet Trust
“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.” ~ Ps. 131
Give words to your prayer of quiet trust.
Noticing without Judging
The Basics
What circumstances bear upon this decision?
What general biblical truth affects this decision?
What trustworthy advice have you been offered?
What elements of your faith tradition seem relevant in this situation?
Direction & Calling. How does each choice fit with the overall direction and calling of God on your life?
Desire. If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer?
Consolation & Desolation. Which choice/direction brings the deepest sense of life, inner peace, and freedom? Which choice/direction drains the life?
Scripture. Is there a particular passage that God is bringing to you relative to this discernment issue? What is it saying?
Life of Christ. How does the redemptive purpose of Christ’s ministry inform this situation? What is consistent with the heart and mind of Jesus?
Character Growth. What direction will nurture the fruit of the Spirit in you, particularly the fruit of love? What does love call for? What is God’s emphasis right now in your character development… and how does that speak to this discernment question?
Step Forward, Step Back. Looking back, what direction prioritizes that which has been deeply true for you? Looking ahead and imagining myself on your death-bed, which choice would you have wished to make?
Back…
Forward…
Council in Community. How is this situation influenced by others’ observations of who you are and what God is doing in your life? How willing are you to open up every facet of this decision to a trusted spiritual friend for wisdom and insight?
Who is your community right now?
What are you hearing from them?
Experimentation
Make a choice (interiorly) and walk around “as if” you had made the choice. Observations?
Confirmation
Internal: List interior movements that feel like a confirmation to a particular direction.
External: List exterior movements that seem to affirm or point a particular direction.
Actions
What’s the first step?
When do you need to take this step?