Living a spiritual life is a matter of making choices. In our everyday circumstances as well as at crucial turning points, the choices we make shape our lives. "Discernment offers us a practical way of living," says David Lonsdale, “which is particularly suited to today's conditions." Explaining that the Holy spirit is present in a wide variety of ways-in our experiences, gifts, desires, feelings, ideas, and "inspirations"-Lonsdale shows how the regular practice of discernment can place us more in harmony with God and one another. He examines how our personal faith history, our images of God, the state of the world and the church and the values of our society and culture all influence us as we seek to make Christian choices. He provides a clear explanation of the steps-involved in the process of discernment as first outlined by st. Ignatius of Loyola. "Discernment in everyday life is a matter of regular reflection on daily events within a framework of prayer, in order to see where the spirit is leading and to follow that lead," he says. "Discernment with respect to a major decision is often a more prolonged and carefully structured process, proportionate to the seriousness of the decision itself."
Through real-life stories and examples, Lonsdale carefully shows us how to sift through a variety of circumstances and options, as well as our feelings and thoughts about them. He explains how placing all this within a framework of prayer and consciousness of God gradually makes us aware of the harmonies and disharmonies between the mystery of Christ and our own lives. This awareness then guides us in the choices we make. Those just learning the art of discernment, as well as more experienced discerners and spiritual directors, will find this a clear and enormously helpful book.