Vocational discernment can guide you towards finding your greater purpose, your calling. Discernment techniques do not provide an instant answer to what your vocation may be. But help to recognize clues and reflect upon what you experience making connections and informed choices about how to live.
Your vocation tends to be something that makes you question what brings out the best version of yourself. A deeper understanding of your vocation demands a willingness to align with something far greater than oneself. The focus of a vocation is not “making a living” but rather “living a life.” It is less about what you do and more about who you are while you are doing it.
The process of vocational discernment involves much reflection on questions like:
- What am I passionate about?
- What brings me joy? What are my gifts and talents?
- What does the world need?
Be honest with yourself and acknowledge fears or desires that may be preventing you from reaching your potential.
Journaling
Journaling is a beneficial way to deepen your understanding of your vocation. It is more than a diary of events, thoughts and feelings even though these may be part of a journal. A Journal entry may include prayer, reflection on self and experiences and grappling with spiritual questions. A journal is helpful in seeing the movement and reoccurrence of themes which may indicate the vocational path to choose.
Spiritual Accompaniment
A Spiritual accompanier is one who through listening and questioning can help you focus on the movements in your life at a deeper level in order to discern how you may best live out your vocation.
Prayer and reflection
Prayer is important in creating space to allow the divine voice within you that calls for fulfilment to be deepened and the call of the needs of the world to be heard clearly. If you want to find what you are called to, then make time for prayer.
Discernment Prayer
Lord I know that You love me and that You have great plans for me.
But sometimes I am overwhelmed by the thought of my future.
Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.
As I explore the various options which lie before me,
help me to listen openly to others, and to pay attention to what is in the depth of my own heart.
In this way, may I hear Your call to a way of life which will allow me to love as only I can,
and allow me to serve others with the special gifts You have given me.
Amen