Nature of Discernment
Discernment is any process of sifting, weighing, or discriminating what is of God from what is other than God. It is not a specific process, but an attitude, a hunger, a search to have the course of one’s life correspond to the call of God.Discernment is a process; it is a way of life. Discernment is tuning my life to God’s frequency. It is being in relationship with God like a lover who knows his partner so well that he doesn’t even need to ask what she wants – he just feels it and knows. Discernment is rooted in and reflected out of relationship with God and it always begins with intention – intention to be with God and to want what God wants. The source and goal of discernment is God.
Discernment then moves through a process of prayer, reflection, gathering information, and making a tentative decision. This tentative decision is tested through a process of confirmation – using reliable and unreliable signs, using consolation and desolation, paying attention to one’s body. After a period of waiting and listening for confirmation, the decision is made after which time there is opportunity for reflection back on the decision to note any learning about the discernment process.
Ways of Discernment
We offer discernment for individuals who are seeking clarity around issues such as vocation, relationships, moving, and others. We use the Quaker process of the Clearness Committee to do this work of discernment.
For groups, we lead and teach a way of discernment that is about listening to one's heart and listening to the hearts of others in the group as to what the call may be.
For communities such as congregations or businesses, we engage in a social discernment process of listening for the movement of the Spirit in our decision making.
For groups, we lead and teach a way of discernment that is about listening to one's heart and listening to the hearts of others in the group as to what the call may be.
For communities such as congregations or businesses, we engage in a social discernment process of listening for the movement of the Spirit in our decision making.