Discernment background

Discernment of Spirits

Learn to notice what draws you closer to God — and what pulls you away.

Learn the Rules for Discernment

St. Ignatius discovered that the movements of our hearts — our feelings, thoughts, and desires — are not random. Some draw us toward God’s love, peace, and generosity. Others leave us restless, closed in on ourselves, or distant from God.

He called the first consolation (movements that bring faith, hope, and love) and the second desolation (movements that lead to fear, discouragement, or separation).

  • • Grow more aware of God’s invitations in your daily life.
  • • Choose freely the path that brings life, peace, and deeper love.
  • • Resist the voices that pull you into confusion, despair, or self-absorption.

Discernment is not about making quick decisions but about living attentively — learning to listen, sort, and follow the Spirit who always leads to greater faith, hope, and love.

Consolation vs Desolation

A simple contrast to recognise movements at a glance.

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Consolation

  • • Faith, hope, love
  • • Peace, joy, generosity
  • • Sense of God’s closeness
  • • Freedom to love and serve
🌑

Desolation

  • • Fear, doubt, isolation
  • • Restlessness, confusion
  • • Turning inward on self
  • • Less freedom to love

Rules for Discernment — Quick Guide

St. Ignatius taught 14 simple “rules” to help us recognise the movements of the heart.

1–4: For Times of Desolation

  1. Don’t change course — avoid big new decisions.
  2. Lean into prayer — turn more to God.
  3. Stand firm — resist discouragement with trust.
  4. Remember: it passes — God is still with you.

5–9: For Times of Consolation

  1. Stay faithful — keep your practices.
  2. Prepare for trial — store strength for later.
  3. Remember God’s goodness.
  4. Stay humble — consolation is a gift.
  5. Anchor in gratitude — deepen trust.

10–14: General Helps

  1. Discern the source — God’s peace vs the enemy’s fear.
  2. God’s voice brings peace; the enemy disturbs.
  3. Be alert — the enemy is weak when resisted, strong when indulged.
  4. Stay transparent — speak openly to a guide.
  5. Guard weak points — bring them to prayer.
Download Quick Reference Card Back to Prayer & Practice

Ignatian Discernment Quick Reference

A card-style summary to keep handy.

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In Desolation

  • 1. Don’t change — avoid new big decisions.
  • 2. Pray more — turn to God, not away.
  • 3. Stand firm — resist discouragement.
  • 4. It will pass — God is still with you.
🌅

In Consolation

  • 5. Stay faithful — keep up your practices.
  • 6. Prepare — store strength for hard times.
  • 7. Remember — recall God’s past goodness.
  • 8. Stay humble — it’s a gift, not earned.
  • 9. Be grateful — let joy deepen trust.
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Helps for Both

  • 10. Discern source — God brings peace; enemy brings fear.
  • 11. God’s peace — the enemy disturbs.
  • 12. Be alert — resist firmly; don’t indulge.
  • 13. Stay open — share with a guide.
  • 14. Guard weak spots — bring them to prayer.

Reminder: Consolation = faith, hope, love. Desolation = fear, doubt, isolation. Choose what leads to life in God.

Daily Discernment Check-In

Take a few minutes at the end of your day to notice where your heart has been moving.

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Where was I closest to God?

Moments of peace, joy, love, generosity, or gratitude — signs of consolation.

🌑

Where did I feel far from God?

Anxiety, restlessness, discouragement, or self-doubt — signs of desolation.

🌿

What is God inviting me to do tomorrow?

Follow what leads to life; resist what leads to emptiness; choose freely in love.

Closing Prayer

“Spirit of God, open my eyes to see Your presence in my life, and give me the wisdom to follow You with freedom and love.”
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Seasonal Guides

Ignatian prayer resources for Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.

Pray the Season