Category: Discernment
The 5 Keys of Discernment
by andyotto | Mar 6, 2023 | Discernment | 0
Use the five keys of discernment to find clarity and direction in all your decisions.
Read MorePope Francis on Discernment
by andyotto | Jan 30, 2023 | Discernment | 0
Pope Francis’ recent catechises on discernment offers some helpful perspectives on Ignatian decision-making, including the importance of time, setbacks, desire, and self-knowledge.
Read MoreGod’s Kingdom is Found Within
by andyotto | Nov 14, 2022 | Awareness, Discernment, God In All Things, Scripture Reflections | 0
Jesus says the kingdom of God cannot be observed. Then what about finding God in all things?
Read MoreConforming God to My Unfreedoms
by andyotto | Sep 26, 2022 | Discernment, The Tough Questions | 1
We sometimes try to conform God to our decisions, rather than the other way around. In his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius explains how we often make a means an end in itself. We need both internal and external freedom.
Read MoreAlma’s Way is the Ignatian Way
by andyotto | Nov 15, 2021 | Awareness, Discernment, Spiritual Practices | 1
A new PBS Kids show speaks to the Ignatian pattern we see in the Examen.
Read MoreFeelings and Emotions: Be Curious in Prayer
by andyotto | Nov 1, 2021 | Awareness, Discernment, Prayer, Spiritual Practices | 0
Ignatius tells us that feelings are important guides in the spiritual life. How do we discern what feelings are telling us? How do we know they are leading us to God? Be curious.
Read MoreThe Fruits of the Spirit(s)
by andyotto | Oct 11, 2021 | Awareness, Discernment | 0
How do we know we’re moving toward union with God? Simple: we can know that by the fruits we see. Ignatius and Paul may use different words, but they’re in sync with the idea of “living by the Spirit”.
Read MoreThe Motivations Beneath Desires: Why They’re Important
by andyotto | Sep 27, 2021 | Discernment | 0
If we dig beneath the desires of our hearts we will discover deeper core motivations for those desires. They’re ultimately for God or the ego. Here are a couple ways we can dig down and uncover those motivations.
Read MoreIn the Flow
by andyotto | Apr 26, 2021 | Discernment | 0
When we listen to the deep desires of our hearts we are in the flow of God’s love and God’s dream for our lives. But how do we know a desire is ‘of God’?
Read MoreYou Have No Purpose (In the Way that You Think)
by andyotto | Feb 22, 2021 | Discernment | 4
God’s will for us is not some predetermined blueprint that negates our freedom. Let’s examine how the Ignatian tradition understands discernment and purpose. Hint: There’s a bigger Dream for the world. And Disney Pixar’s Soul helps reminds us of this, too.
Read MoreConsolation & Desolation
by andyotto | Oct 14, 2019 | Discernment, Ignatian Basics | 1
Consolation and desolation are key to discerning God’s movement in your life, but these terms are easily misunderstood.
Read MoreThe Privilege of Discernment
by andyotto | Jun 17, 2019 | Discernment | 6
Discernment of major decisions, like having a job you love or choosing where you live, are a privilege.
Read More
This guide will offer you a process and framework for discerning a particular decision using the approaches and prayer methods in the Ignatian tradition.
