2. Understanding Discernment
Paul Reiter
NRT/NVT Discernment
Jacksonville, FL
January 20-24, 2016

3. What is Discernment?
Discernment is the process of intentionally becoming aware of how God is present, active, and calling us as individuals and communities.
Discernment involves “sifting” through the choices and voices that surround us.
Discernment does not confirm hunches or intuitions. It is the perilous practice that involves self-criticism, questions, and risk
The real one who does the discerning is the Holy Spirit.

4. Defining Biblical Discernment
Involves a choice between alternatives
Not choosing between good and evil, but between two seeming goods
Or, the lesser of two evils
Not for the weak-hearted and faint
About relationship more than information for decision

5. Things to Remember…
Result of discernment is not certainty, but a direction in which to move
Perfect discernment does not exist
Discernment keeps us open to God’s initiative rather than closing the issue
Fruit of discernment appears most clearly in retrospect

6. Aids in Discernment Clarity about the will of God
Does not require cracking a code
Yearning more than achieving
More like a vocation and an invitation
Things money cannot buy
Life experience
Maturity
Time

7. Discernment is about relationship
Relationship not right choices
Relationship is not based on a single decision or action
Each decision provides new vistas, information, and perspective
Mistakes are useful
Nothing is wasted

8. One important criterion!
Does the choice move us closer to God?
Other approaches ask:
Demonic or divine spirit?
Human spirit or Holy Spirit?
Self will or God’s will?
The relationship approach asks:
Is this the appropriate response to God?

9. Other Criteria of Discernment
Study of Scripture – Old and New Testaments
Wisdom for the past
Members in a supportive community
The movement of God in our souls (intuition, peace, conviction)
The unfolding culture

10. An Ignatian Model of Discernment
Depends on a few sensibilities
Desire to discern
Knowledge of self
Humility
Courage
Indifference (putting God first)
Desire to follow

11. The Liebert Model: Practical
Form a clear question. Pray!
Pray to be guided by God
Gather data about the question
Pray through the pros and cons
Imagine you are advising someone else
Make the decision that seems best
Live with the decision before acting
Look for inner peace and freedom
Follow and listen

12. Conclusion What is God doing here? Ultimate question:
Goal of discernment is to receive God’s guidance
Give up private agendas