Discernment – listening for God being a necessary part of it, is not hard or difficult, and we hope this episode helps you hear that. In our second episode of the series based on our Parish Mission on Family and Discerning, we talk about this significant step in the discernment process. We must say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening,” and we need to mean it – and do it. God is constantly waiting for us to listen “for” Him before we can listen “to” Him. Here’s how.

While applying some standard practices is important, and there are “ingredients” that can’t be missing [“Cake less eggs ain’t cake,” as Kristofer points out] we have to invite God into our discernment process, subordinating ourselves to Him.

Invoking St. Augustine, St. Ignatius, St. Mary, and so much more, we jump into how this part of discernment – listening for God – is so much about being open to The Lord and His words of everlasting life. We point out scripture that helps us open up to Him, and how these words and some practices are key to listening for HIm.

Making ourselves available to Him, so we can honestly listen for God, is a big next step. It seems obvious, but there are tons of examples and suggestions we give, regardless of your station in life or what you do during the day.

Beth shares and teaches while Kristofer goes ballistic on God. We have the calm listener and, as Kristofer puts it, “The Jacob, wrestling with God.” Whether in your life you find yourself not available to God as a homemaker like Kristofer or a busy professional like Beth, there are options. To prove the point of how important it is to be available to God, we share a story of lifesaving that happened to us not long ago.

Time, place, and manner matter for discernment – listening for God is not a constant practice that is not affected by changes in our lives. We must be constantly vigilant to how we are listening for God, so that, like Jesus, we can find a new spot to listen for God. We may have to go off to a mountain for Discernment. Listening for God, though, comes from picking the mountain and going, not waiting until you get back around to the mountain you prayed from when life was different.

Ending with a poignant story about our friend Barry and him hearing the voice of God (and finally moving forward in his discernment by listening for God), we meet Walter – and wonder what God is telling us in his bark.

Some items on our site that will help in Discernment – Listening For God, or at least get you started:

Page: Prayer Basics

TWMWU:This Great Gift

Article: Why Doesn’t God Shout?

Podcast Episode: Discerning God’s Will – Part 1 – Episode 74

Podcast Episode: How Do I Listen To And Hear The LORD? – Episode 145

Podcast Episode: Walking In The Catholic Faith – Episode 167

Your suggestions, questions, and ideas for topics are what we need to keep providing great episodes. Email us or use the contact page to let us know what you would like us to talk about, or comment below to let us know if we picked a good topic with Discernment – Listening For God.