Recommended Books To Help in Your Discernment

Hearing With the Heart:  A Gentle Guide to Discerning God’s Will for Your Life by Debra K. Farrington, Jossey-Bass, 2002
What does God wish for you in your life? How do you listen for God’s gracious guidance as you face daily decisions, both big and small? And how do you know that what you are hearing comes from God—and not your ego or simply your own wishful thinking?
Debra Farrington presents a variety of discernment tools in an easy reading, inspiring and thought provoking manner.  It can be an indispensable resource for discerning how to proceed at major crossroads and navigate life’s challenges—at work, in relationships, or during crisis situations—and how to truly be partners with God in creating your life.

Learning to Hear with the Heart: 
Meditations for Discerning God’s Will                                     
by Debra K. Farrington, Jossey-Bass, 2003

Learning to Hear with the Heart is written as a companion for your discernment journey, inviting you to spend thirty days listening for God’s guidance not only for the big questions of your life but for everyday matters as well.  Daily readings from Scripture, prayer, stories and questions for reflection encourage you to be a full and joyful participant in discerning the shape and direction of your life and in learning to live closer to God.

VISION:  2009 Catholic Religious Vocation Discernment Guide 
by National Religious Vocation Conference, 2009
VISION Vocation Guide is a magazine that provides a reliable resource as you discern your life’s calling.  Articles on prayer & discernment, religious life, Priests, Sisters, Brothers, Missionaries, and Being Catholic as well as a great number of ads sponsored by religious communities offer a wonderful resource for the discerner. Available FREE online or order your FREE print edition

Meaning of Vocation by John Paul II
The question of vocation was close to the heart of John Paul II.  Texts from addresses and writings of John Paul II regarding God’s call and the meaning of vocation. 42 pages  Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 2150)

All for Love
by Sister Kathy Bryant, RSC

A comprehensive resource for anyone in discernment.  Contains sections on:  Discernment and God’s Will, Spirituality and Prayer, Discerning a Vocation to Religious Life or Priesthood, and Resources.  224 Pages Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 2020)

Called, Formed, Sent By Richard Rohr, OFM

What does it mean to be called, formed, sent?  Questions for study and personal reflection.  Resource for all ministries.  76 pages Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 1709)

Religious Life & You:   The Best of Vision Magazine

Stories about prayer, discernment, vows and ministry.  203 pages
Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 1205)

Vocation – A Reflection

For the seriously discerning inquirer.  Scripture-based, helpful treatment of the vow of celibacy. 17 pages Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 302)

Pray your Way Through a Vocation Decision  (item # 1217)
Are the Vows Still Relevant (item # 1218)
Are You Experiencing a Call?  (item # 1219)
Beyond a Bolt from the Blue (item # 1220)

Helpful booklets for individuals or groups.  Discernment information from VISION Magazine. Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations

Vocations Anonymous
By Sr Kathy Bryant, RSC

What you need to hear, but frequently don’t know how to ask, regarding the discernment process.  Lots of ideas for finding your way, growing in prayer and asking the right questions. Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations (item #  2002)

Religious Life Today:  Re-Thinking a Promise
By William Reiser

Summary of elements that make religious life vital.  153 pages Available from National Coalition on Church Vocations  (item # 1501)

Let Your Life Speak:  Listening for the Voice of Vocation
By Parker J. Palmer, Jossey-Bass, 2000

The author invites us to listen to the inner teacher and follow its ledings toward a sense of meaning and purpose.  “Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”