What do you think?
Rate this book
Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making
Every Chrstian has a Mission. What's Yours?
"Is it time to change jobs?" "Should I marry?"
"Am I called to religious life?"
Sooner or later, every thoughtful Christian asks such questions. For everyone ready to make the shift from "What do I want for my life?" to "what does God want for my life?" Fr. Gallagher offers this new book to help you make sense of your major life decisions.
Drawing from the timeless methods of Ignatius Loyola and richly illustrated with examples and stories, this book offers practical wisdom for aligning your will to God's will. Fr. Gallagher takes you through each step of the process, including opening your heart to whatever God wants; making use of silence, the Eucharist, Scripture, and spiritual direction; and finding clarity (and what to do when you lack clarity).
While this book focuses on the major decisions such as marriage and career and vocation choices, the insights gained here can be adapted to other significant life decisions as well. Fr. Gallagher's clear style makes this book an important resource for all who want to discover where God is leading them, as well as for spiritual directors, retreat directors, and counselors
"Is it time to change jobs?" "Should I marry?"
"Am I called to religious life?"
Sooner or later, every thoughtful Christian asks such questions. For everyone ready to make the shift from "What do I want for my life?" to "what does God want for my life?" Fr. Gallagher offers this new book to help you make sense of your major life decisions.
Drawing from the timeless methods of Ignatius Loyola and richly illustrated with examples and stories, this book offers practical wisdom for aligning your will to God's will. Fr. Gallagher takes you through each step of the process, including opening your heart to whatever God wants; making use of silence, the Eucharist, Scripture, and spiritual direction; and finding clarity (and what to do when you lack clarity).
While this book focuses on the major decisions such as marriage and career and vocation choices, the insights gained here can be adapted to other significant life decisions as well. Fr. Gallagher's clear style makes this book an important resource for all who want to discover where God is leading them, as well as for spiritual directors, retreat directors, and counselors
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
124 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 23, 2021
Written by Father Timothy Gallagher, this book outlines three methods of discernment. It also shares many personal experiences of discernment. Most of the discernments mentioned in this book contain examples of life choices: marriage, the religious life or the single life.
I was recently able to use the method in making a decision to move to another parish. I made the decision under the guidance of a spiritual director. I was affirmed in my decision when I saw which of these three methods I had used.
Very good and practical book. I know I will use it in the future to make other decisions.
I wish there had been more examples relating to later life decisions, so subtracted a star.
4 stars
I was recently able to use the method in making a decision to move to another parish. I made the decision under the guidance of a spiritual director. I was affirmed in my decision when I saw which of these three methods I had used.
Very good and practical book. I know I will use it in the future to make other decisions.
I wish there had been more examples relating to later life decisions, so subtracted a star.
4 stars
March 10, 2019
Discerning anything is hard, and if nothing else, this book offers comfort that you are not alone. Many of the anecdotes mirrored my own struggles. Our God is not one of confusion, and this helped me change my mindset from "Lord, let me choose your will above my own will" to "Lord, let my will BECOME one with yours." Gallagher takes the reader on a beautiful journey through Ignatius's steps in discernment.
April 18, 2022
"Voluntas tua pax nostra- In your will is our peace." Father Timothy Gallagher has given a guide from Saint Ignatius for discerning just that, the will of God and the subsequent peace that follows in living a life fully surrendered to Him. I came into this book with a pressing question, whether to continue in full-time education or to move into full-time ministry. Both have its pros and cons, but as I made my way through the exercises, learning to rest in the unfathomable love of Jesus for me, and learned, though not easily, to simply offer up this cry to God, "Whatever you want, Lord", the decision for what to do as it will unfold in the future became more clear for me. This guide was a great help in that and will definitely assist you in the not so easy process of discernment between two goods.
January 7, 2023
A good book explaining the Ignatian Rules for Discernment, peppering in examples. If you already know the rules, you may find the examples helpful, but it’s definitely not necessary
August 20, 2025
If you need to make a decision and don’t know how to know what God wants, read this book.
March 9, 2025
Fast read. Has great advice on making choices and uses plenty of anecdotes as examples.
January 20, 2025
Ok intro to Ignatian discernment
January 31, 2012
I had to read this for St. Lydia's. I don't believe if I've ever read a scholarly religious work, and I don't see myself reading many more (sorry, Papa). It's...odd. It's particularly odd if the book is written by a Roman Catholic, so it's full of intimations that, for instance, a person cannot be fully dedicated to life as a priest if he is married. (Back story: My dad is an Episcopal priest.) I had a hard time getting over some of the interviewees' examples because they're...not that applicable to my life.
The book is at least 80% excerpts from other books or quotes from interviews with individuals, so once you get the gist of where he’s going, it can be a bit tedious. “I get it, dude, the first mode is ‘you quite clearly feel that God is moving you to do a particular thing.’ That’s the easy one. I don’t need thirty examples.” Further, the examples tend to fall into a couple categories: people deciding between life as a nun/priest/monk and life as a married person; people deciding between a secular job or work in the church (probably as a nun/priest/monk). In all honesty, I could’ve done with FAR fewer examples, a much broader range of examples (and maybe some that aren’t so damn Catholic), and more commentary from the author. Near as I can figure, this is the meat of the matter
Ignatius talked about three modes of discernment:
2. Divine command felt surely and without question (a sense that, in a flash, God has revealed the obvious/correct choice to you).
2. Consolation vs. Desolation: The option that, upon consistent reflection and prayer, brings you a sense of consolation/peace rather than desolation/confusion is the option God is leading you toward.
3. A preponderance of reasons (i.e., essentially a pro-con list). My impression was that you’re to choose the one that has MORE reasons, but it’s possible I misread. Still, it’s a pro-con list. God’s in that, too, man.
Obviously, 1 is awesomest, but that’s hard to come by and doesn’t work on your specific timeline, frequently. The other two are also good options. I personally found 3 really interesting and it also gave a concrete example from Ignatius’ life, which was cool.
So, the basic steps you should take when trying to make a decision:
* Get in the right frame of mind: When deciding between two good choices, turn it over to God. Be open to whatever he wills. This will free you of the burden of making a “wrong” decision, because if God wills it, it’s right.
* Pray daily
* Keep a journal after your prayers. Note how you feel during certain circumstances, and any revelations you feel you’ve been shown. Particularly note contrasts: When you’re doing or thinking about a certain thing, how do you feel? Consoled? Desolate? (see: Mode 2)
* Go to mass; be silent. All these people seemed to have revelations about stuff/find clarity in either silent retreats, repeated attending of mass, or a combination of the two.
* Have a spiritual director and talk this stuff out regularly.
I really wish I'd just read a pamphlet that said these things, to be honest.
The book is at least 80% excerpts from other books or quotes from interviews with individuals, so once you get the gist of where he’s going, it can be a bit tedious. “I get it, dude, the first mode is ‘you quite clearly feel that God is moving you to do a particular thing.’ That’s the easy one. I don’t need thirty examples.” Further, the examples tend to fall into a couple categories: people deciding between life as a nun/priest/monk and life as a married person; people deciding between a secular job or work in the church (probably as a nun/priest/monk). In all honesty, I could’ve done with FAR fewer examples, a much broader range of examples (and maybe some that aren’t so damn Catholic), and more commentary from the author. Near as I can figure, this is the meat of the matter
Ignatius talked about three modes of discernment:
2. Divine command felt surely and without question (a sense that, in a flash, God has revealed the obvious/correct choice to you).
2. Consolation vs. Desolation: The option that, upon consistent reflection and prayer, brings you a sense of consolation/peace rather than desolation/confusion is the option God is leading you toward.
3. A preponderance of reasons (i.e., essentially a pro-con list). My impression was that you’re to choose the one that has MORE reasons, but it’s possible I misread. Still, it’s a pro-con list. God’s in that, too, man.
Obviously, 1 is awesomest, but that’s hard to come by and doesn’t work on your specific timeline, frequently. The other two are also good options. I personally found 3 really interesting and it also gave a concrete example from Ignatius’ life, which was cool.
So, the basic steps you should take when trying to make a decision:
* Get in the right frame of mind: When deciding between two good choices, turn it over to God. Be open to whatever he wills. This will free you of the burden of making a “wrong” decision, because if God wills it, it’s right.
* Pray daily
* Keep a journal after your prayers. Note how you feel during certain circumstances, and any revelations you feel you’ve been shown. Particularly note contrasts: When you’re doing or thinking about a certain thing, how do you feel? Consoled? Desolate? (see: Mode 2)
* Go to mass; be silent. All these people seemed to have revelations about stuff/find clarity in either silent retreats, repeated attending of mass, or a combination of the two.
* Have a spiritual director and talk this stuff out regularly.
I really wish I'd just read a pamphlet that said these things, to be honest.
August 15, 2018
This is an interesting book. The process of discerning the will of God may seem mysterious, but this book breaks it down into a very simple process.
There are three different and distinct parts - if one does not work you can simply move to the next one.
I think everyone wants/expects the First Mode - that unmistakable certainty that hits you all at once. You MUST do the thing - you can't not do it. I have had that happen at times, but it's not the only way to discern and I didn't realize that. It may not happen that way at all.
The Second Mode is a bit more vague. It involves consolation and desolation. If you think one way in consolation and another way in desolation you can be sure the consolation is from God. That is an oversimplification though and the author has another book that goes into more detail on this Mode.
The surprising part of this book for me was the Third Mode - it's really just reasoning. You need to be in the right disposition - that is wanting what God wants and not just what you want - but I feel like you wouldn't be interested in discernment if that wasn't already the case anyway. Then, you simply and logically think of all the pros and cons. The trick is you have to think of Spiritually based pros and cons. Reasons that support your personal and spiritual growth - because that is what God wants. I really like this idea - I have a tendency to think of the Spiritual over the practical and often people look at me like I'm crazy - but St. Ignatius is actually telling us to do just that!
If you are like me, I think you will find this book interesting and enlightening. Well worth your time.
There are three different and distinct parts - if one does not work you can simply move to the next one.
I think everyone wants/expects the First Mode - that unmistakable certainty that hits you all at once. You MUST do the thing - you can't not do it. I have had that happen at times, but it's not the only way to discern and I didn't realize that. It may not happen that way at all.
The Second Mode is a bit more vague. It involves consolation and desolation. If you think one way in consolation and another way in desolation you can be sure the consolation is from God. That is an oversimplification though and the author has another book that goes into more detail on this Mode.
The surprising part of this book for me was the Third Mode - it's really just reasoning. You need to be in the right disposition - that is wanting what God wants and not just what you want - but I feel like you wouldn't be interested in discernment if that wasn't already the case anyway. Then, you simply and logically think of all the pros and cons. The trick is you have to think of Spiritually based pros and cons. Reasons that support your personal and spiritual growth - because that is what God wants. I really like this idea - I have a tendency to think of the Spiritual over the practical and often people look at me like I'm crazy - but St. Ignatius is actually telling us to do just that!
If you are like me, I think you will find this book interesting and enlightening. Well worth your time.
October 9, 2016
Borrowed this book from one of my parish priests who recommended it for me. My first time reading a book centered around Ignatian rules. I enjoyed the real-life examples given and this book gave me a background in Ignatian discernment. If I read another book on Ignatian rule, it will probably be "The Discernment of Spirits".
July 28, 2014
Sheds light on some of the most profound questions I have about discernment and how to navigate the often confusing and treacherous waters of spiritual development.
September 3, 2019
I was significantly underwhelmed with this book. The writing itself is so surprisingly elementary, I don’t see why people love this author. It’s the first book I’ve read by him, and yes my standards are high. His grasp of the topic seemed so rudimentary to me, this struck me as one of those high school essays you add fluff to and regurgitate other people’s thoughts, in order to meet the word count requirement.
He uses examples of real people discerning different decisions, but immediately then re-quotes the story he just told you. It’s annoying and frankly comes across as a tactic by an inexperienced author.
There was good practical information in here. But it was buried in a bunch of fluff and could be summarized in a few pages. Basically read the short appendix of St. Ignatius’ text and you’ve got it. This might be more helpful to someone unaccustomed to spiritual reading or unfamiliar with the concept of discernment. For me, it was seriously lacking.
He uses examples of real people discerning different decisions, but immediately then re-quotes the story he just told you. It’s annoying and frankly comes across as a tactic by an inexperienced author.
There was good practical information in here. But it was buried in a bunch of fluff and could be summarized in a few pages. Basically read the short appendix of St. Ignatius’ text and you’ve got it. This might be more helpful to someone unaccustomed to spiritual reading or unfamiliar with the concept of discernment. For me, it was seriously lacking.
August 24, 2023
In 'Discerning the Will of Good,' my third read from this author on Ignatian spirituality, I found a compelling guide that takes decision-making beyond personal desires and emotions. The book is relevant not only in making major life decisions, but also in navigating everyday choices that actually shape our lives. Author leads us to seek the 'best part' that's already been prepared for us while also fostering growth in wisdom. The author's skillful use of real-life stories enriches the sometimes intricate and complicated St. Ignatius rules, making them more relatable and understandable. However, before diving into this book, I would recommend reading 'Discerning the Spirits' first, as it lays the groundwork for understanding concepts like consolation and desolation. Overall, it's a valuable resource for anyone seeking thoughtful decision-making.
February 6, 2023
Excellent spiritual reading! At first, I found Fr. Gallagher's style to be incredibly repetitive (and it is) but I realized that this is intentional. Through his many real-life examples, he provides a better understanding of how discernment may look for different people. Fr. Gallagher beautifully illustrates St. Gregory Nazianzen's assertion, "in Your will is our peace" through the examples of people finding comfort in following the well of God rather than feeling they must fight this will. Do not try to plow through this book, as tempting as that may be. Take it slowly enough to digest as you go.
December 16, 2020
It was good, and I appreciated that Fr. Gallagher outlined Ignatius's steps/guide with examples. I tend to be a "get to the point" type person (which I recognize may be at odds with deep spiritual discernment) so I actually thought there were too many examples/stories. I mean, I guess it makes sense because if the author just laid out the steps the book would be all of two pages. :) In that same vein, I wish there was a summary/outline of the whole process somewhere in the book, rather than having to piece out each individual part/step from the larger text.
January 15, 2024
This book definitely gives you some helpful rules for discernment. When overwhelmed with decision-making, this book simplifies the process and gives you tangible ways to find God’s will for your life (via the 3 modes of discernment, according to Ignatius). It also does a good job in reminding the reader that discernment isn’t something to be rushed, despite our lack of patience. My favorite part was when it highlighted discernment in times of consolation vs desolation, which makes me want to read discernment of spirits next! I loved that there were so many real-world examples too.
February 22, 2017
A recommended book that is perfect for those in the middle of life crossroads. This is a very practical book that is very easy to read. As usual, St. Ignatius is good at explaining the realistic situation of our hearts when trying to make a difficult choice. And Fr. Tim has succeeded in delivering St. Ignatius's original sentences into incredibly easy words by using a large number of clear examples.
June 16, 2019
Even though I am not Catholic I attended a Jesuit University for my grad program, so I am familiar with St. Ignatius and his teachings. While I do not ascribe to being a Jesuit, I thought this book was written very well. The author used many personal stories to highlight several ways to discern using St. Ignatius teachings.
The book highlights how you can discern God's will in your life by taking specific steps that are easy to understand, although they are not always easy to implement.
The book highlights how you can discern God's will in your life by taking specific steps that are easy to understand, although they are not always easy to implement.
August 21, 2023
I loved this book. It makes discernment of any kind so clear, and gives 3 effective ways of discernment.
A common element is tranquility and solitude of mind. This is something I want to focus on more, and the book just emphasized that.
The author also gives real life examples, as to give the reader a better idea how to see God in our everyday lives when it comes to these ways of discernment. I would recommend to any Catholic!
A common element is tranquility and solitude of mind. This is something I want to focus on more, and the book just emphasized that.
The author also gives real life examples, as to give the reader a better idea how to see God in our everyday lives when it comes to these ways of discernment. I would recommend to any Catholic!
November 7, 2023
In this book, Fr. Gallagher, combines the teaching of St. Ignatius with personal experiences of individual people, to guide his readers in discerning God's will.
Ultimately, he leads us to this conclusion on why we ought to conform our will with God: "Our efforts and struggles in discernment have meaning in God's providence. Through them, the God who loves us calls us to new life and growth... The fruit of discernment... is, most deeply, the peace for which every human heart longs."
Ultimately, he leads us to this conclusion on why we ought to conform our will with God: "Our efforts and struggles in discernment have meaning in God's providence. Through them, the God who loves us calls us to new life and growth... The fruit of discernment... is, most deeply, the peace for which every human heart longs."
October 18, 2024
A winsome and relatable presentation of teachings and concepts from the writings of Saint Ignatius about Discerning God's will.
At times, the content of the personal stories are tediously repeated, but overall, they are helpful at illustrating the steps of discernment:
- the foundation of God’s love
- the disposition of openness to His will
- various means available
- clarity, attraction, and reasoning
At times, the content of the personal stories are tediously repeated, but overall, they are helpful at illustrating the steps of discernment:
- the foundation of God’s love
- the disposition of openness to His will
- various means available
- clarity, attraction, and reasoning
April 18, 2019
Just fabulous. If you are choosing between two things, have life-decisions to make, are given opportunities & wonder whether to say yes or no - this is a great book to help you figure out God’s will in your life. So practical - based on St Ignatius’s rules of discernment - the rules provide an systematic approach to help figure things out.
May 8, 2021
This was a great book. Following his previous book, Discernment of Spirits, the book gives a practical guide to following and discerning the will of God. If you haven’t read either book then I strongly recommend both. Additionally, just remember following and discerning inclinations can help you better fall in love with the will of God.
June 24, 2025
A great, no-nonsense primer on discernment from the perspective of the Ignatian tradition. Even as a Protestant with no background in the Jesuit tradition, I found the book accessible. I suspect I’ll continue to use this book as a reference for years to come, and I plan to check out his Discernment of Spirits book as well to further explore the themes he lays out here
March 25, 2020
Very well explained and laid out. While I appreciated all the stories he included, I do wish he had a few more examples of "real-world" not vocational decisions. Regardless, the information provided was insightful and applicable to my life.
October 12, 2020
Re read this in 3 hours. It was an easy read, filled with lots of good examples. Highly recommend. I read it pretty quickly to get to the meat but will definitely go back at some point in time to delve more deeply.
September 23, 2018
Solid introduction on discernment with some real-life cases. The book provides some key insights, but I would not recommend it to someone looking for something more advanced.
March 24, 2019
Extremely helpful in breaking down Ignatian discernment
February 2, 2020
Most helpful if one reads the appendix first. It gives the context for the book. I think this would be a helpful process for discernment if any major decision.
June 5, 2020
Offers a simple guide to help in choosing/deciding between two goods.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews