Discernment
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The art of appreciating the gifts we have
been given and discovering how best to use
them/share them.
Discovering where my talents meet the
worlds deepest hungers…
What it is NOT: finding the divine blue
print and then complying with it.
Ignatian Discernment
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Step one: Ask for openness to God’s presence in
your life.
Step two: Imagine various outcomes of the
particular decision. What would it be like “if”?
Step three: Examine the feelings that arise in you
as you imagine each out come. Which scenario
brings consolation or feelings of desolation?
Consolation: an affective
movement that draws us to God
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that helps us to be
less centered upon
ourselves
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to be open to others in
generosity, service,
and love
Desolation: an affective
movement of being drawn away
from God and of the Spirit
Consolation
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Growth, creativity, genuine fullness of life
& love
Sense of freedom
Feelings of courage & strength
Sense of peace
In tune with deepest self
Inner and outer harmony
Desolation
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Sense of alienation
Feeling unfulfilled, a failure
At odds with others
Stung by remorse, guilt
Hopelessness, inner darkness, restlessness
Life ceases to have meaning
Step four:
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Pray for confidence to listen to the Spirit
Pray for the courage to respond to this
inner call
…a call manifested in talents, heart wishes,
personal situations, opportunities, reality
How do we know our truest self?
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Regular reflection
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Journaling
Conversations with a trusted friend
Daily recognition of God’s presence in the
feelings & actions of our day (Ignatius
recommended a daily examen of
consciousness)
Ignatian Discernment
The framework: time
The tools: head & heart
The cornerstone: values
The context for Ignatius: faith
& inner freedom
Disordered Attachments
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Freedom requires “indifference”:
detachment from disordered
desires/attachments that prevent us from
hearing or doing what God is inviting us to
do
Eyes to see, Ears to hear,
Feelings & Thinking
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Biography as Theology (McClendon): the
conviction that God is present, is revealed
in the experiences & events of human life
Authenticity & honesty
Openness
Imagine: what if I made this
choice
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How would I feel?
What would I gain?
What would I lose or miss?
How would it affect me? Others?
Imagine: what if I made this
other choice?