This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. By using this site, you consent to the placement and use of these cookies. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more. ACCEPT

DISCERNMENT SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is the individual approach to one’s relationship with God. It involves making use of the tools of prayer and devotion which help you to live as a Christian the best way possible. Spirituality is, therefore, personal and many details of your spirituality will be largely dependent on your preferences.

Even so, there are some standard points that come in handy, especially if you are discerning whether you may be called to be a priest:

1. Frequency and Length of Prayer This depends on your circumstances, but a good guideline is to spend about an hour a day in prayer. This is best spent in the presence of God in the Blessed Sacrament, if possible. This time can include spiritual reading which helps to focus your heart and mind on God, a meditative rosary, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, or even just sitting in the Presence of our Lord. Be careful not to short shrift your prayer time, but also don’t spend “too much” time. Time at prayer does not equal holiness, especially when you’ve got other concerns to attend to.

2. Devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Other Saints If a priest acts in persona Christi, then it makes sense that every priest – or man discerning the priesthood – should have a special relationship to the Mother of Christ, who is also the Mother of the Church.
The saints are models of the Christian life. The more we study and imitate their virtue, the closer our relationship with Our Lord will become. In addition, their lives are thoroughly inspiring. For inspiration in discerning a priestly vocation, consider reading about and praying to the following:

St. John Vianney, patron saint of Priests
St. John de Brebeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, martyrs of North America
St. John Eudes, devoted to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart
St. John of the Cross, mystic
St. Francis Xavier, missionary to the Orient
St. Maximilian Kolbe, devoted to Our Lady
St. Josemaría Escrivá, Champion of the cause of virtue and holiness in daily life

Of course, there are many others. Read more about priest saints.

3. Mass Attendance One cannot seriously consider his vocation without frequent reception of Our Lord in Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” and it is especially important that a man discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood participate in the Eucharist frequently. While he should certainly never miss a Sunday Mass, daily Mass whenever possible is recommended.

4. Confession Looking at the lives of the saints reveals that they frequent the confessional as a necessary part of their formation in holiness. One cannot be aligned to the will of God unless he is continually refining his motives and his heart to listen more clearly. There are a lot of moral dangers to contend with, after all! We need the grace offered by this sacrament to overcome these obstacles.The sacrament of Penance should be used monthly, at least. Every week or every other week is likely to be more helpful. But be careful not to be scrupulous! It’s important that one forgives himself – and forgets! Worrying over sins which one has confessed can be a way for the Devil to cause distraction or even despair!

5. Devotion to the Sacred Heart The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the symbol of the union of God and Man – the whole reason for Jesus’ mission, His Sacrifice on the Cross, and our participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is simply love for God Who became man to save all men. Within the Sacred Heart lies the complete mystery of salvation, which is the whole reason a man becomes a priest. Love of the Sacred Heart is an ideal devotion for a man discerning a priestly vocation.

While this list is not exhaustive, it may be helpful to consider (or re-consider) some of these points in your own spiritual life. Whatever you do with your spiritual life, always be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who alone can lead you to the truth of the vocation God has prepared for you.



cbd gummies mycbd | cbd gummies quebec | dr oz bioheal cbd gummies | cbd gummies 2500 mg | trileaf cbd gummies | halal cbd gummies | cbd frog gummies | smiles gummies cbd | cbd gummy manufacturer uk | effex cbd gummies | cbd gummy calculator | cbd gummies en walgreens | pomegranate gummies cbd | cbd gummies for athletes | best enhancement pills male | sildaxin male enhancement | its works gummies | best natural male sex enhancer | me 36 male enhancement reviews | penis enlargement hanging dyi | penis enlargement extending | legendz xl male enhance | gummys for ed | male enhancement tips free | penis enlarging tool | male enhancement extenze | penis thickening enlargement | penis enlargement session | fast and effective diet pills | best cbd gummy for weight loss | diet pills australia | fastin diet pills | overnight weight loss pills | do go90 keto gummies work | heart healthy diet pills | best drugstore diet pills | lipoderm diet pills | fi keto gummies reviews | true ketosis keto gummies | apple cider vinegar gummies do | keto plus gummies ingredients | triple keto gummies | healthy keto gummies cost | good keto keto bhb gummies | do male enhancement pills | keto gummy worm recipe | the five cbd gummies | androrexin male enhancement | night diet pills japan | top 5 cbd gummies 2024 | male front enhancement boxers | hormonal weight loss pills | are cbd gummies a scam | full body health gummies | keto bites keto gummies | cbd gummies at cvs | love high gummies | diet pills safe for teenagers | cbd gummy reviews | penis enlargement tablets | keto acv gummies bhb | cbd gummies by mail | viadex male enhancement pills | leann keto gummies scam | 1 mg cbd gummies | male enhancement nyc | keto acy gummies | cbd gummies edmond ok | pure harmony male enhancement | lipozene diet pills review | cbd gummies hazel hills | penis enlargement mens clinic | keto acv gummies doctor juan | cbd gummies sale near me | hombron male enhancer review | medical weight loss program ny | alcohol and cbd gummies |