Tips For Discernment Prayer

Choose a time

• Make it a definite time dedicated only to prayer, an appointment with God.
• Try to make it the best time for prayer that you can find.

Choose a Place

• It should be a place free from distractions
• It should be a private place

Enter into Prayer

• Ask for the assistance of the Holy Spirit, to teach you how to pray (talk and listen to God).
• Examine your conscience and repent of your sins
• Lay aside anxieties, problems, battles. Don’t allow them to dominate your time with God.

Recall to mind and assent to the basic truths of revelation

• God created you out of love and loves you always
• God sent Jesus to give us life
• Jesus died and rose, conquering sin and death
• Jesus promised to be with us and to send us the Holy Spirit
• Jesus intercedes for us in heaven
• Jesus is coming again in glory
• Consciously say “YES” to these truths each day.

Intercede with Faith and Trust

• For our daily bread: pray for the world, the church, your family, friends, and yourself
• For forgiveness: As you forgive others
• For strength for the day and its trials
• For discernment in your personal vocation
• For protection from all evil

Before Leaving Prayer, ask yourself

• What God has said to you; What God has shown you; What you know you should carry into the day and remember so your prayer will bear fruit.