The ART OF DISCERNMENT by Stefan Kiechle is good book for those who have to make an important decision.   Ignatius identifies three ways of making choices.

St. Ignatius identifies direct intuition as the primary form of discernment. In a kind of calling, one experiences a direct divine inspiration that clarifies what needs to be done. Remember what happened to St. Paul on his way to Damascus. Divine lightning knocked him off his horse; the experience completely changes him and converted him. He was changed from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of the Good News. Most people consider these events as rare and peculiar. But , perhaps, these events are more common than one would assume. If a person is looking for a relationship with God, and is open to this type of experience, God will become present in very practical ways.

The second manner of making a decision is to notice inclinations and to distinguish among them. What in life attracts you? One observes them and then deduces from them what the proper path is. This is what Ignatius calls, Discernment of Spirits. Pay attention to the feeling that surface during the course of honest and calm meditation.

The third manner of making a decision is used when the discernment of spirits reveals very little. This is the rational approach to making decisions; listing the pros and cons of the choices available. You then take the sum total and this will point you towards the solution.

Do you have a decision to make? Why not try the methods listed above. Is God calling you to religious life or priesthood?   If so write me a note.   I’d be happy to walk with you as you look for your answer.