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Back to Podcast EpisodesDWG1 – Guided by Grace – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Guided by Grace – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss how Christians can approach daily and major life decisions through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teaching on discernment. Every choice—from small tasks to major vocational decisions—can be made in union with God when one seeks to act in harmony with His will. Discernment involves preparation through prayer, reflection, and the cultivation of spiritual freedom. Drawing from the Spiritual Exercises, he notes that a person must first clear away disordered attachments and form a heart that is ready to respond freely to God’s direction, much like Mary’s “Be it done unto me.”
Fr. Gallagher illustrates key principles with examples. Using a story involving a man named Kenneth to show us the choice between honesty and dishonesty shows that when a decision involves moral good versus evil, the right path is clear. Barbara’s pregnancy crisis highlights how Church teaching provides clarity in morally complex issues. Ruth’s dilemma about leading parish music while caring for her children reveals that God’s will often lies in fidelity to one’s vocation. Finally, Anthony’s struggle between family time and work illustrates how to handle ordinary choices through prayer, weighing circumstances, and learning from experience.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
- How can I invite God into even the smallest daily decisions I make?
- In what ways do I prepare my heart through prayer and the sacraments to better discern God’s will?
- What attachments or desires might be keeping me from freely following what God asks of me?
- How do I ensure my moral choices align with the teachings of the Church?
- When faced with two good options, how can I discern which one best supports my vocation and responsibilities?
- What helps me recognize God’s peace after I make a decision?
- How can I grow in the disposition of Mary, saying “Be it done unto me according to your word”?
- How do I learn from past decisions to recognize God’s guidance more clearly in the future?
- When am I most tempted to rely on my own reasoning instead of seeking the Lord’s direction?
- How can I cultivate a daily habit of asking God, “What do You want me to do in this moment?”
Published on 1 week ago