Discerning God's Will for Your Life

“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” — Matthew 6:10b

Discerning, choosing, following, and doing God’s will can be a profound and transformative journey. Here are some practices that can help guide you along this process:*

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. As Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). Relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment, together with an informed conscience, can lead you to make decisions that are in conformity with God’s will.

Prayer and Meditation: Prayer is a powerful way to seek God’s guidance. By spending dedicated time in prayer, you open your heart to God’s voice and allow God to speak to you. Meditation on God’s Word and God’s presence can also bring clarity and peace, helping you to discern and surrender to God's will.

Scripture and Church Teachings: The Bible is a primary source of God’s guidance. Also consider the Church's teachings on a particular matter, such as those presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These resources provide wisdom and principles that can help you make decisions aligned with God's will. For example, verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV) remind us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge [God], and [God] will make straight your paths.”

Seeking Spiritual Counsel: Surrounding yourself with spiritually mature individuals who can offer wise counsel is invaluable. As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.” These spiritual advisors can provide insights and perspectives that you might not have considered.

Peace of God: God often confirms his will through a sense of peace. "Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. . .And be grateful" (Colossians 3:15). If you feel a deep, abiding peace about a decision and being filled with God's love and grace (consolation), it can be a sign that you are on the right path. Contrariwise, if you feel a sense agitation, darkness, lack of hope and confidence, and separateness from God (desolation), you may want to reconsider whether you are traveling along the right path.

Circumstances and Open Doors: Sometimes, God guides us through our circumstances and the opportunities God places before us. Paying attention to these “open doors” can help you discern God’s direction for your life.

Fasting: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that can help you focus on God and seek God’s will with greater intensity. It can clear your mind and spirit, making you more receptive to God’s guidance.

Reflection and Journaling: Taking time to reflect on your experiences and writing them down can help you see patterns and understand how God has been leading you. Journaling your prayers, thoughts, and the insights you receive can be a valuable tool in discerning God’s will.

Discerning God’s will is a continuous journey of faith and trust. By utilizing these tools — prayer, scripture and Church teachings, the Holy Spirit, spiritual counsel, peace, circumstances, fasting, reflection and journaling — you can navigate your decisions with confidence, knowing that you are seeking to align your life with God’s perfect plan. May you find clarity and peace as you seek to follow God’s will for your life.

* This article was prepared, in part, from information obtained through specific queries using CoPilot, January 25, 2025, as modified by the author.