Discernment tools

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.

Request accompaniment

Daily exam guide

Try this each evening:

  1. Become aware (1–2 min): Breathe slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit for light.
  2. Gratitude (2 min): Name 3 gifts from today.
  3. Review (4–5 min): Replay the day. Where did I sense peace, strain, joy, resistance?
  4. Sorry & receive mercy (2 min): Acknowledge misses; rest in God’s kindness.
  5. 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.

Lectio Divina

Method (15–20 min):

  1. Read (Lectio): Slowly read a short Gospel passage. Notice a word/phrase.
  2. Meditate (Meditatio): What draws me? What is God showing me?
  3. Pray (Oratio): Speak to Jesus in your own words.
  4. Contemplate (Contemplatio): Rest quietly with Him.
  5. 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.”

To know more about Lectio Divina

Journaling prompts

Try one theme per day:

  • 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.

To know more about journaling

Decision-making grid

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.

A simple rule of life

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.

Write it down, share with a friend, review monthly. Start small and let love lead.

Plan a mini retreat

Simple schedule (3–4 hours):

  1. Arrive & unplug (10 min): Silence phone; brief prayer for openness.
  2. Scripture & journal (40 min): Use the Lectio section above.
  3. Walk or quiet rest (30 min): Let thoughts settle with God.
  4. Examen check-in (20 min): Notice movements since you began.
  5. Spiritual reading (30 min): A chapter from a trusted spiritual classic.
  6. Commitment (10 min): One grace noticed; one small step.

Silence tips: Choose a simple, comfortable place; keep water/tea; let distractions pass without judgment. Suggested readings: a Gospel, or a short Salesian text. Playlist ideas: gentle, lyric-light instrumentals before/after prayer, not during.

Scroll to Top