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.



reba mcentire cbd gummies | how long cbd gummies take | herblux cbd gummies | cbd gummies tucson az | cbd gummies for big penis | cbd gummies relax no thc | uly cbd gummies dementia | hollywood cbd gummies | alpha lab cbd gummies | cbd gummies by hemp bombs | prima cbd gummies | royal cbd gummies florida | nature cbd gummies | real cbd oil gummy bears | dr oz gummies cbd | male erectile enhancement | bio peak male enhancements | sledge hammer male enhancement | honey for male enhancement | virmax ds male enhancement | oprahs gummies legit | penis enlargement diet | real cbd gummies for ed | gummies for anxiety and sleep | penis enlargement underground | male enhancement arizona | penis enlargement jav | blackhatworld male enhancement | optical rock male enhancement | male areola enhancement | skin tag removal oil bio | natural herbs to remove skin tags | review perfect 10 skin tag remover | will freeze away wart remover work on skin tags | skin tag removal bath | micro needle skin tag remover | ocean envy skin tag remover reviews | skin tag freeze remover kit | remove an eye skin tag | best skin tag remover otc | try paradise skin tag remover | cryogenic mole and skin tag remover | skin tag removal lethbridge | skin tag remover in stores | dog skin tag removal tea tree oil | how much would it cost to remove a skin tag | paradise skin tag remover reddit | diabetes medicine journal impact factor | diabetes medication acchiedes | diabetes medicine made me lose weight | are diabetes medication safe | can diabetes medicine hurt my pancreas | best way to lower my a1c | glucose lowering drugs diabetes | diabetic meds pdf | blood sugar medicine that starts with a j | a1c lowering effect of diabetes medications | best supplements to lower blood sugar | diabetic remedies | liquid diabetic medicine | ssi meds diabetes | medications used to treat and control diabetes | take all diabetic meds at nihht | bio pure keto gummies reviews | acv keto cleanse reviews | synergy diet pills | diet pills morbidly obese | olly gummies weight loss | oprah weight loss gummys | do via keto gummies work | kelly clarkson on gummies | keto start avc gummies | keto pumkin gummies | diet pill recall | keto and acv luxe | keto acv gummies by dr oz | natures way keto acv gummies | gummy kelly clarkson | does cvs sell keto gummies | keto collagen gummies recipe | genesis keto gummies | keto acv gummies scam or legit | keto acv gummies and diabetes |