Ignatian Discernment View (Contemplative Emphasis)
May 22 2025
In the Ignatian Discernment View, vocational discernment is rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This perspective emphasizes seeking God’s will through personal prayer and attentiveness to interior spiritual movements. It assumes that God communicates through one’s thoughts, feelings, and desires, guiding the believer via inner “consolation” (spiritual peace and joy) or “desolation” (spiritual unrest) when considering options. Discerning one’s vocation in this view is a process of aligning one’s deepest God-given desires with God’s greater glory. It is approached with a spirit of humility and “holy indifference” (i.e. freedom from selfish attachments), trusting that God will lead the willing heart.
Means of discernment: Prayer is primary in this view, especially Ignatian practices like the Daily Examen and retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises, where one prayerfully imagines different life paths and listens for God’s prompting. Scripture is often used devotionally (for example, praying with Gospel stories) to shed light on one’s calling. Reason is acknowledged as a helpful tool (for instance, making a pros-and-cons list in a prayerful spirit) but remains secondary to spiritual insight. Direct supernatural revelations (dramatic signs or audible voices) are not expected; guidance usually comes through subtle inner conviction rather than extraordinary events. Community plays a supportive role: one might seek counsel from a spiritual director or wise mentor, but ultimately the decision is made between the individual and God in the quiet of prayer.
Example: For example, a Christian using the Ignatian contemplative approach might take a silent retreat or set aside daily prayer time when facing a career decision. Suppose they are torn between becoming a teacher or entering business. They would present each option to God and notice the inner movements that arise. Perhaps imagining life as a teacher consistently brings a deep sense of joy and peace, whereas picturing the business career leaves them uneasy; they interpret those contrasting feelings as God’s guidance toward teaching. They might also journal their prayers and talk with a spiritual mentor, all while ensuring they remain inwardly free (not driven by fear or ego) before finalizing the choice that yields greater peace and a sense of God’s presence.
Comparison with the CFI view: Both the Ignatian view and the CFI view acknowledge a variety of discernment tools (prayer, Scripture, reason). However, the Ignatian Discernment View is more inwardly focused, prioritizing personal spiritual experience as the key indicator of God’s direction, whereas the CFI view emphasizes external considerations like comparing the tangible impact of different career options. CFI’s approach leans on analytical evaluation of how one’s work can impact the world for God, while Ignatian discernment trusts that following the path one feels most prayerfully drawn to will ultimately bear good fruit even if it’s not the most “strategic”. Unlike CFI’s aim to optimize impact, the Ignatian view frames career choice as a response to God’s intimate invitation rather than a problem to solve. God’s will is not seen as a rigid blueprint one must pinpoint, but an invitation to freely choose a loving response among many good options.
Key thinkers: St. Ignatius of Loyola; David Lonsdale; Margaret Silf.