A Discernment Prayer

Discernment is the process of understanding what God wants for our lives. It requires prayer, patience, and trust. This prayer for discernment asks God to help us recognize His guidance. It reminds us that God has already written His plan on our hearts.

This Discernment Prayer begins by asking for clear vision. We need “discerning eyes” to see what God has placed within us. Discernment is not just about thinking or feeling. It is about recognizing God’s call and responding with faith.

The prayer also asks for strength. It takes effort to look within ourselves and understand how God is leading us. We ask for an “untiring spirit” because the process of discernment is ongoing. We need perseverance and trust in God’s timing.

Finally, the prayer moves outward. Once we understand God’s call in our lives, we are asked to help others do the same. Discernment is not just for our own benefit. It is meant to be shared, so that others may also recognize God’s presence and follow His will.

The Discernment Prayer follows a long tradition of prayers asking for God’s guidance. Many saints and spiritual leaders have prayed for wisdom to understand God’s call. This prayer continues that tradition, asking God to help us see His plan in our lives.

The format of the prayer is simple but meaningful. It begins by recognizing God as the source of life. Then, it asks for clear vision and strength to search within ourselves. The prayer does not stop there. It also calls us to action. Once we understand God’s will, we must help others do the same.

This structure reflects how discernment works. First, we turn to God. Then, we reflect on what He has placed in our hearts. Finally, we live out His call and help others do the same. The prayer reminds us that discernment is not only personal. It is also meant to serve others.

Many prayers focus on asking for help in times of need. This one focuses on listening and responding. It encourages us to trust that God is already leading us. Our task is to recognize His voice and follow where He calls.

The Discernment Prayer connects to many themes in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, God calls people to follow Him. In 1 Samuel 3:9-10, young Samuel learns to listen to God, saying, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Jesus also calls His disciples, saying, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). This prayer reflects these moments by asking for eyes to see and a spirit that does not grow tired. It reminds us that God’s call is already within us.

In Catholic teaching, discernment is an important part of growing in faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions” (CCC 1782). This means we are responsible for seeking God’s will in our lives. The Discernment Prayer helps us do this by asking for wisdom and the courage to follow where God leads.

This prayer is helpful for youth ministry. Young people often wonder what God wants for them. They face choices about school, work, and relationships. This prayer encourages them to look within and trust that God is guiding them. It also reminds them that discernment is not just for personal benefit but for helping others as well.

By using this prayer, youth ministers can teach young people how to listen to God. They can encourage them to reflect, pray, and trust in God’s plan. The prayer helps young people see that following God is not just about knowing the right answers. It is about being open to where He leads.

Almighty God,
author of my life,
help me learn to read what you have written on my heart.
Give me discerning eyes
and an untiring spirit
to look within me
in order to understand how to reach outside of me.
And once I have begun to read you aright,
give me the generosity to help others to read you,
to sound you out one letter,
one word of radical giving at a time.
Amen.

Anselm’s Prayer: Teach My Heart Where and How to Seek You

Anselm’s Prayer is a call to seek God with sincerity and focus. It expresses a deep longing to know God and asks for help in understanding His truth. The prayer acknowledges that without God’s guidance, we struggle to find meaning. It encourages trust in God and patience in the search for wisdom. Like the Discernment Prayer, it reminds us that God is already present in our lives, and we must open our hearts to His direction.

Both prayers emphasize the importance of seeking God’s will. The Discernment Prayer asks for clear vision and strength to follow God’s call, while Anselm’s Prayer focuses on knowing and loving God more deeply. Both prayers encourage reflection, trust, and perseverance. They are useful for youth ministry, especially when teaching about prayer, faith, and decision-making. Praying these together can help young people grow in their relationship with God and gain confidence in following His guidance.

Pray the Daily Examen

The Daily Examen is a prayer practice that helps people reflect on their day and recognize God’s presence. It involves five simple steps: becoming aware of God, reviewing the day with gratitude, noticing moments when we followed or strayed from God’s will, seeking forgiveness, and looking ahead to the next day. This practice helps with discernment by teaching us to recognize patterns in our thoughts and actions. By praying the Examen regularly, we learn to see how God is guiding us each day.

Like the Daily Examen, the Discernment Prayer focuses on recognizing God’s will. The Examen helps us reflect on past choices, while the Discernment Prayer asks for clarity in future decisions. Both encourage trust in God and openness to His call. These prayers are useful for youth ministry, especially when helping young people grow in self-awareness and faith. Praying them together can strengthen the habit of seeking God’s guidance in daily life.

More Catholic Prayers

The Discernment Prayer is just one of many prayers you can find on our Catholic Prayers page. Prayer helps us grow closer to God and seek His guidance in our daily lives. Whether you are looking for prayers for strength, gratitude, or decision-making, you will find many options to deepen your faith.

Visit our Catholic Prayers page to explore more prayers for different needs and moments in life. Praying regularly helps us stay connected to God and trust in His plan. No matter where you are in your journey, these prayers can offer comfort and direction.

What is the Discernment Prayer about?

The Discernment Prayer asks God to help us understand His plan for our lives. It asks for clear vision, strength, and the willingness to help others.

Why is discernment important?

Discernment helps us make choices that follow God’s will. It guides us in our faith, relationships, and daily life. The Discernment Prayer reminds us to listen to God and trust His guidance.

Who can pray the Discernment Prayer?

Anyone can pray the Discernment Prayer. It is helpful for people making big decisions, but it is also good for everyday reflection.

How can the Discernment Prayer help young people?

Young people often wonder what God wants for them. The Discernment Prayer encourages them to look within, trust in God, and take action. It also reminds them to help others grow in faith.

How often should I pray the Discernment Prayer?

You can pray the Discernment Prayer as often as you like. Some people pray it daily, while others use it when facing important choices.

How does the Discernment Prayer connect to the Bible?

The Discernment Prayer reflects Bible stories where people listen to God’s call, like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:9-10 and the disciples in Matthew 4:19. It follows the same pattern of listening, trusting, and acting.

Can I use the Discernment Prayer with a group?

Yes, the Discernment Prayer works well in groups. It can be used in youth ministry, retreats, or Bible studies. Praying it together helps people support each other in seeking God’s will.

The Discernment Prayer asks God to help us see His plan for our lives. It begins by recognizing that God has already placed His guidance within us. We pray for clear vision and strength to understand what He is calling us to do.

This prayer also reminds us that discernment takes effort. We need patience and trust to listen to God. It asks for an “untiring spirit” because seeking God’s will is an ongoing process. Discernment is not just about making one big decision. It is a way of living with faith and awareness.

Finally, the prayer moves beyond personal reflection. Once we begin to understand God’s call, we are asked to help others do the same. Discernment is not just for ourselves. It is meant to be shared, so that others may also grow in faith.

Have you prayed the Discernment Prayer? How has it helped you seek God’s guidance? Every person’s journey is different, and sharing can encourage others. Your experience might help someone else who is struggling with a decision or seeking direction.

Take a moment to reflect on what this prayer means to you. Then, share your thoughts in the comments. Whether you have prayed it once or many times, your insight is valuable. Let’s support each other in seeking God’s will.