A Resource from Presbyterian Youth Ministries
Discernment Guide
About this resource
Sensing where God is leading you.
We make decisions all day long — and decision fatigue is real. This guide invites you to slow down and set apart the bigger choices in your life for genuine, prayerful discernment. Rooted in scripture, shaped for community, and designed with space to listen.
For individuals seeking direction
Whether you're facing a crossroads in vocation, ministry, relationships, or faith — this guide gives you a structured framework for listening to God without rushing to an answer.
For groups journeying together
Designed to work just as well in a small group, leadership team, or retreat setting. Each session invites shared reflection and mutual listening within the body of Christ.
Rooted in trust
True discernment begins with trusting that God has a plan — even when the path ahead isn't clear. This guide helps you move from your own agenda toward God's desires.
Ending in peace
When you complete the process you should have a settled, consistent peace. Not certainty about every detail — but confidence that you've genuinely listened and followed.
What's inside
Four sessions. One journey.
Each session pairs a scripture reflection with honest questions and space to write. A Morning Prayer and Evening Examen at the back of the guide bookend each day of the process.
Session One
Trust — Leaning into God
We begin by laying down our own agenda and putting our full trust in God's plan — the hardest and most essential step in any discernment process.
Proverbs 3:1–6 · "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
Session Two
Finding Stillness
The noise of life can obscure God's voice. This session invites you to reduce the static and create real space to hear what God is saying.
Psalm 62:5–8 · "For God alone my soul waits in silence..."
Session Three
Being Content
Contentment in all things comes only through the strength of God. This session explores what we cling to — and what we need to release.
Philippians 4:11–14 · "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Session Four
Life with God at the Centre
The closing session asks: where is God truly at the centre of our life, and where isn't he? A courageous, honest look before drawing the journey to a close.
Colossians 3:17 · "Whatever you do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..."
How to use it
Flexible for retreat or weekly use
Work through it as a weekend retreat or one session per week over a month. Either way, the rhythm is the same: reflect, listen, write, and pray.
Morning Prayer
Begin each day with the Morning Prayer at the back of the guide, inviting the Holy Spirit into the process.
Sit with Scripture
Read each session's passage two or three times. Let a word or phrase surface. Write down what stands out.
Answer Honestly
At the close of each session, honestly answer the discernment questions — from God, from others, from within.
Evening Examen
End each day with the Ignatian Evening Examen — reviewing where God was present and what you noticed.
Listen for Peace
As you complete the process, look for a settled, consistent peace. That is often where discernment lands.
Share the Journey
Our identity is both individual and communal. Talk with close friends, whānau, respected leaders and wise elders.
"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
Who this is for
Anyone at a crossroads.
This guide is designed to be accessible whether you're a young person stepping into adulthood, a leader seeking clarity, or a small group exploring what faithfulness looks like together.
Young people
Navigating big life decisions around vocation, relationships, direction, and faith.
Youth leaders
Seeking clarity in ministry direction — and looking for a resource to walk others through.
Small groups
A group in a church, cell, or retreat context wanting to journey through discernment together.
Retreat settings
Works beautifully as a framework for a weekend away focused on listening to God.
Anyone at a transition
Job change, location move, relationship, ministry shift — any of life's significant moments.
Pastoral companions
A tool for those walking alongside someone else through a season of discernment and prayer.
Download the Discernment Guide
Free to download and share. Print it out, sit with it, and give yourself the gift of genuine listening.
Questions or feedback? Email matt@pym.org.nz · 021 712 700
Presbyterian Youth Ministries · Part of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, PCANZ