A vocation is born and nourished by prayer, by speaking heart-to-heart with the One who loves us the most. Here are a few prayers to aid in your discernment.
Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge that I may fulfill your command.
Teach me, O my Jesus, to think and judge mildly and charitably, to speak little and wisely, to act justly and prudently, in order that my life may be always pleasing to you and that I may reach perfection in holiness. Amen.
Here I am, O Jesus, at your feet with the burden of my work and responsibilities. Here I am with my daily tasks, that you may teach me to sanctify them by performing them with you and for you.
Here I am, O Jesus, with all my cares, needs and intentions; with my failures and successes, that they may be directed according to your holy will, and that I may learn to submit all to your divine pleasure.
Here I am with the refreshing and restful moments of the day that renew strength and vigor to body and soul.
Finally, here I am, Lord, with all my hopes and desires, that you may purify and sanctify them. Guide and direct me to please you alone, that my whole being may praise you; that I may be united with you now and for all eternity. Amen.
1. THANKSGIVING and PRAISE to God
Father, I rejoice in Your love for me—all is gift; all is grace. You thought of me and so loved the idea of me that You created me. Each moment You are at work, loving me into existence. Thank You, Father, for accepting me as I am and for the special gifts I have received from You this day: e.g., the weather, a good book, a holy desire, a good laugh… etc.
2. PETITION the Holy Spirit to enlighten me to see myself as God sees me, in accord with His living Word.
Father, You know me better than I know myself. Please help me be aware of how You worked in and around me today. I wish to respond to Your call for me, with obedience and love. However, for me to follow Your will, I first need to know what it is. Please help me listen and hear the voice of Your Spirit in my life that I may see how You see me. Come, Holy Spirit!
3. REVIEW the day in God’s presence
Jesus, be with me as I review my day. Holy Spirit, guide me as I ponder Your ways in my life and my responses to the Word of God in my life. Help me recognize and embrace the unexpected ways You choose to renew my life with Your Presence.
How am I feeling right now? Why?
Is this leading me to God or away from God?
Where was God present to me today?
When did I participate in God’s presence in a distinct way today?
Was there a time when God seemed to be absent to me today? What was happening?
Was there a time when I missed God’s presence and acted in a manner contrary to His will?
4. CONTRITION with confident surrender
Father, “forgive me my trespasses, through Your ineffable mercy, through the power of Your beloved Son, and through the merits and intercession of the ever blessed Virgin and all Your elect.” I love You, Lord, and You know where and how I need healing and forgiveness. I surrender myself to you completely. (Quote from St. Francis’ Our Father)
5. PRAYERFUL RESOLUTION, humbly asking for God’s presence and love.
Father, with hope I look to the future. “How many times in the past have things come to extremes; always You have shown me Your infinite love, Your power and Your help. So let my trust not falter nor my courage diminish.” You accept me the way I am, and You allow me to grow. I place myself in Your hands. I ask You to make me more sensitive to Your Spirit in me. Renew in me the life of Your Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus. (Quote from Mother Maria Theresia’s letters)
“As I go forward with You, Lord,
please strengthen the quiet voice of my conscience,
Your own voice, in my life.
Look at me as you looked at Peter.
Let Your gaze penetrate my heart
and indicate the direction my life must take…
Grant me, ever anew, the grace of conversion.”
Adapted from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Way of the Cross, 2005