Making choices can be a real puzzle. Should I take this job or that job? Should I marry this person? Should I move to a new city? The list goes on. These are critical junctions in life, and a wrong turn can change everything. So, how does one make the right choice? The answer lies in one of the most treasured practices in the Catholic tradition: prayer.
What the Church Says About Prayer
Prayer isn’t just asking for stuff or saying thanks during dinner. It’s a way of getting in tune with God. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). It’s our direct line to God.
Why Prayer is Important When Making Decisions
The Catechism also states, “We pray as we live, because we live as we pray” (CCC 2725). This means that the quality of our prayer life influences the quality of our choices, and ultimately, the quality of our life. When we face a big decision, the words of James 1:5 come to mind: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Types of Prayer
There are many types of prayers in the Catholic Church—thanksgiving, petition, intercession, and more. But when you’re struggling with a decision, one particular form of prayer becomes very useful: discernment.
Discernment: The “GPS” of Decision Making
Discernment is like a spiritual GPS system. It helps you find out what God wants for you, what the Church calls “God’s will.” Discernment often includes praying, reflecting on Scripture, and seeking advice from wise mentors. The Catechism notes that “the heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives” (CCC 2563). So, when it comes to making big life choices, your heart, guided by discernment, plays a crucial role.
The Ignatian Way: A Tried-and-True Method for Decision Making
St. Ignatius of Loyola developed a method for discernment that has helped countless people make decisions aligned with God’s will. It’s about being attentive, being reflective, and being loving. This Ignatian method teaches us to notice the different feelings and thoughts that surface during prayer and to understand whether they bring us closer to God or push us away.
A Powerful Prayer for Decision Making
One simple but powerful prayer for decision-making that stems from the Ignatian tradition is:
“God, I don’t know where you are leading me, but I trust you are with me. Help me to open myself to your guidance, to let go of my own desires and to embrace what you desire for me. I place this decision before you. In your name, I pray. Amen.”
This prayer summarizes the heart of what it means to seek God’s will in the face of a challenging decision.
Using Scripture for Guidance
During times of indecision, it is beneficial to meditate on scriptures that can guide your discernment. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This can serve as a comforting reminder that God is listening, and your prayers for guidance will not go unheard.
Common Mistakes People Make When Praying for Decision Making
1. Looking for a “Magic Answer”
Prayer isn’t a magic wand that instantly makes all your problems go away. God often leads us to make decisions through a process, not just a single moment of clarity.
2. Neglecting Other Forms of Guidance
While prayer is vital, God also speaks to us through the Church, through the wisdom of others, and through the circumstances of our lives.
3. Ignoring Church Teaching
It’s essential to remember that any decision we make should align with the teachings of the Catholic Church. For example, we can’t pray for guidance about doing something that the Church considers morally wrong.
Conclusion: Put it in God’s Hands
Making a decision doesn’t have to be a stressful, go-it-alone endeavor. By relying on prayer and discernment, we can feel more confident that our choices align with God’s will. To echo the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
So, if you’re standing at a crossroads, pause and pray. Seek the wisdom that comes from a heart aligned with God, and remember, you’re not alone in your journey.