Spiritual Discernment and Vocational Counseling
Spiritual Discernment and Vocational Counseling
Phyllis Wilson
Liberty University
Abstract
This paper starts with a description of how to make godly decisions through prayer, the Holy Spirit and reading biblical scriptures. It will explore spiritual discernment using the bull’s-eye method. The literature will discuss my past and present experiences of discernment, a counselor and clients experiences and my comments on my personal position of this client’s supplication.
Spiritual Discernment and Vocational Counseling
Segment 1: Personal Position When making career decisions that are in harmony with one’s self and with the will of God (Christian, 208) one should be praying for wisdom to make godly decisions, sensing inner peace from the Holy Spirit and referring to bible scriptures (Horton, 2010). Prayer is being in the presence of God. It is being in the position where the ego is put aside, hope is elevated and requests are made. One admits his needs, accepts humility, and asks God for help. Prayer is having the opportunity to be in touch with God being able to confess sins and touching the heart of God via his son, Jesus Christ our savior (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry, 2011). When one prays, prayer is love, devotion, and a walk that allows one to participate daily to keep their thoughts positive (McMinn, 1996). Prayer is like a foundation, one need to pray for strength, understanding, help, peace, love, guidance and gratitude. When one prays, he is conversing with God, walking closer to him, talking and listening to him. One who believes can pray from his or her heart on anything that they want to talk to God about. Another reason to pray is because God told us to pray. Being obedient is a result of discipleship. In Luke 18:1 it states “then he spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (New King James Version). Ephesians 6:18 states “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
Phyllis Wilson
Liberty University
Abstract
This paper starts with a description of how to make godly decisions through prayer, the Holy Spirit and reading biblical scriptures. It will explore spiritual discernment using the bull’s-eye method. The literature will discuss my past and present experiences of discernment, a counselor and clients experiences and my comments on my personal position of this client’s supplication.
Spiritual Discernment and Vocational Counseling
Segment 1: Personal Position When making career decisions that are in harmony with one’s self and with the will of God (Christian, 208) one should be praying for wisdom to make godly decisions, sensing inner peace from the Holy Spirit and referring to bible scriptures (Horton, 2010). Prayer is being in the presence of God. It is being in the position where the ego is put aside, hope is elevated and requests are made. One admits his needs, accepts humility, and asks God for help. Prayer is having the opportunity to be in touch with God being able to confess sins and touching the heart of God via his son, Jesus Christ our savior (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry, 2011). When one prays, prayer is love, devotion, and a walk that allows one to participate daily to keep their thoughts positive (McMinn, 1996). Prayer is like a foundation, one need to pray for strength, understanding, help, peace, love, guidance and gratitude. When one prays, he is conversing with God, walking closer to him, talking and listening to him. One who believes can pray from his or her heart on anything that they want to talk to God about. Another reason to pray is because God told us to pray. Being obedient is a result of discipleship. In Luke 18:1 it states “then he spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (New King James Version). Ephesians 6:18 states “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
References: Barnes, M. (2010). Cloud and fire. Christian Century, 127(15), 35. Christian, G. (2008). The way of discernment: Spiritual practices for decision making Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry. (2011). What is prayer? CARM website. Hankle, D. (2010). The Psychological Processes of Discerning the Vocation to the Catholic Priesthood: A Qualitative Study Kaiser Jr., W. C. (2010). The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Macdonald, F. (2010). Making culture with Scripture songs. Evangelical Quarterly, 82(4), 299- 307 McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Niles, S. G., & Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2009). Career development interventions in the 21st century Siang-Yang, T. (2007). Use of Prayer and Scripture in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Journal of Psychology & Christianity, 26(2), 101-111