Reason

Discernment Practice 4: Discernment through Reason

This practice uses the clarity of reason to weigh the options before you.

By reflecting on both the pros (positives) and cons (negatives) of a decision, you can evaluate your options thoughtfully and prayerfully, leading to a more informed, balanced decision.

The process is not about counting the pros and cons but weighing their significance in God’s presence; reflecting upon what is deeper and more significant.

Preparation for Prayer:

1. Prepare yourself to be in God’s presence.

2.  Take a moment to center yourself in the quiet and peace of God’s presence.

3. Renew your desire to follow God’s call once it becomes clear to you.

4. Open your heart and mind to His guidance as you enter into this process.

Framing the Decision:

• Frame the issue as a simple yes/no question.

•  If you haven’t already done so, try to articulate your decision in the form of a clear, concise question that can eventually be answered with a yes or no. This helps bring clarity to your discernment.

Reflection Question:

• How does framing my decision as a yes/no question bring clarity to the issue at hand?

• Have I reached this clarity yet? Do I feel more focused after framing the question?

Listing Pros and Cons:

• Make two columns: "Pro" and "Con."

•  On a piece of paper or in your journal, create two columns—one labeled “Pro” and the other “Con.”

• In the “Pro” column, list all the reasons in favor of proceeding with the decision. In the “Con” column, list all the reasons against it.

• Try to be thorough and honest.

Reflection on the Lists:

• Reflect on each list, beginning with the cons.

•  Take time to reflect on the reasons in the “Con” (negatives) column first.

• As you reflect, notice if any additional pros or cons arise, and be sure to add them to their respective lists (pros - positive, cons - negative).

Reflection Questions:

• What do I notice as I reflect on the cons first?

• Are there any emotions, challenges, hesitations, fears or resistances that arise as I consider the reasons against my decision?

• What do I notice as I reflect on the pros list?

• Are there any emotions, joys, attractions, hopes, energy that arise as I consider reasons for my decision?

Weighing the Decision:

• Notice how the issue appears in light of your reflection.

•  After reflecting on both lists, step back and observe how the issue appears now.

• What stands out to you after looking at both the pros and cons?

• What is your emotional and intellectual response to the lists?

Reflection Question:

• How do I feel after reviewing the pros and cons?

• Does any new perspective or insight emerge about my decision?

Weigh the lists carefully.

•  Now, in God’s presence, carefully weigh the significance of each point in both lists.

• Don’t focus on the number of reasons but on the weight each one carries in light of your values, your desires, and God’s will for you.

Reflection Question:

• How does it feel to weigh up the most important pros and cons?

• Do I feel a sense of peace or clarity emerging as I assess the significance of each reason?

• What factors are emerging as the most important things for consideration to bring to spiritual direction?

• What would my tentative decision be from this discernment process?

Closing Prayer:

• Place your tentative decision and desire with God in prayer.

• Hold your tentative decision alongside your desire to do God’s will. Observe how it feels to align your decision with your desire to follow God’s will.

• Write about any insights or movements in your heart.