Discernment of the spirits

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Bluebright said:
Just saying, don’t discount the fact that God is a spiritual director and is more than capable of directing us each individually in very specific ways. He will use other people, things, books, the Bible, priests etc. to do so in ways that are very personal and individual to us if we pray.
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Yes, and perhaps that is the great “secret” of spiritual direction… that shouldn’t be secret. A good spiritual director is really just helping you to see and hear how God is speaking to you in all those ways you mentioned.
 
I have to admit that the more I learn about the spiritual life, the more I think we all needed spiritual direction! Perhaps in times past we could pick up what we need to know from those around us, but in between the secularization of our society and the dramatic loss of catechesis for a couple of generations. (If not longer), that information is not around us to be easily found.

For example, I kind of heard about meditation and contemplation, but for many years, I could not find much information about it. I also was reluctant to do something other than the Rosary, which is held up so high (and I am not criticizing that), but then I found out that vocal prayer is the first of nine levels of prayer. The Rosary does incorporate meditation, but meditation should be on other aspects of our Faith as well.

So I think more people nowadays need spiritual directors or spiritual counseling than in past times. It’s for growing in one’s spiritual life and holiness, not just the temporary state of discerning one’s vocation.
 
We were created by God to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. Spiritual direction aids in that process. Why this was not stressed in past times may possibly be related to the perceived lack of emphasis on the Holy Spirit and the charisms. Said charisms being gifts which we are expected to put to use in edifying (building up) the Church.
 
Since we were created to know, love and serve God, there must be a way of knowing how we are best to serve, right? We are given gifts - charisms - by the Holy Spirit and we are expected to use them. Read Matthew 25:14-30. Those “Talents” are also the charisms of the Holy Spirit. I believe that, at our judgment, we will be called to account as to how we used those “Talents” to profit God.

We are intended to use those charisms to edify - build up - the Church. but how do we know what they are and how do we use them? This is where spiritual direction comes in. Maybe we have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. How we gonna’ know unless someone guides us? It is the Holy Spirit Who ultimately reveals God’s will for us, but we have human helpers to get us to that point. Once we determine what our charism is, and put it to use, we have achieved much of what God desires for us. He grants grace - especially if we cooperate with it.

Any clearer?
 
I see but you also mentioned “past times”.
Hiw was the past times different accordibg to you?
 
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