Sometimes, we can know that God is calling us, but it can be hard to hear a specific direction to the call. In following the will of God, it is important to discern properly. The below steps are useful tools on the discernment journey.

Pray – We always begin with prayer. Developing an intimate relationship with God is essential if we are to discover His plan for us. Saint John Paul II wrote, “this call, this mysterious inner voice of Christ, is heard most clearly in silence and prayer. The acceptance of the call is an act of faith”. Essential to any vocation is staying near to Jesus through the Sacraments. Regular participation in the Eucharist and receiving healing and mercy through the Sacrament of Penance also helps us to be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Seek a mentor/spiritual director – Having someone to share the journey with is important in vocational discernment. It’s helpful to find a trusted person with whom you can share your thoughts, feelings and prayer experiences. Mentors and spiritual directors can help shed light on your prayer experiences and can be a voice of wisdom in helping with the discernment process. You will be empowered to answer the call in your own life with greater clarity.

Belong to a community/parish – We do not discern our vocation without having a community that calls us forward. The Church (the Body of Christ) are called to build each other up. No man or woman is an island, and we all need a community to grow in our faith. Engaging in the life of the Church through a community or parish is a sign of commitment.

Trust in God’s providence – Often, it’s scary to take the first step and express a concrete desire to follow a particular state of life. Yet we must be willing to take a risk, have the courage to go against the ordinary and be bold in following Christ with our lives. Many people spend too long waiting, afraid to take that first step. The process of discernment will eventually lead you to make a choice in faith, one that will give you peace, even if it’s scary and challenging.

Get in touch with the Vocation Brisbane team – Set up a meeting to chat with our team and learn more about our discernment programs. We are also here to support your journey and connect you to the right people to help you discern your calling.

Daily prayer for vocations

Gracious God,

We give you thanks and praise that our lives,

in union with the Church, are filled with the presence of your love. You are opening our hearts to the world and the needs of those around us. Through this need, you instil in us an eagerness to make a difference. Quiet the fears and distractions of our hearts, long enough to listen to the movement of your Holy Spirit and to hear your gentle invitation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen

Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, Pray for us.

St Joseph, Pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Pray for us,