The Relationship Between Praying and Discernment (PrayerLife)

A petal landed in a gallon of paint

If I want to know what my wife Linda is thinking I have to spend time with her, and spend it in a certain way. We have to communicate with each other. We have to share what is on our minds, and we have to listen. Without this there will be no mutual understanding; hence, no discernment.

The same applies to the God-relationship. Henri Nouwen writes:

"To want to know God's plan and purpose without regular prayer and engagement with scripture and God's people is like trying to bake a cake without assembling the various ingredients. Discernment grows out of the life of faith rooted in community." (Nouwen, Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life, K 15%)

What does God want? To know this:

1. Pray regularly.
2. Engage with scripture.
3. Engage in community.