The eyes of the Lord roam over the whole earth, to encourage those who are devoted to him wholeheartedly."  (2 chronicles 16[NAB])

I. Conditions for a Good Discernment

• A prayer life in A D S L 

- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Do what is right! (live a moral life)
- Sacraments: frequent reconciliation and daily mass
- Lectio Divina (regular prayer with scripture especially the Gospels)

• Good friends, good times, and retreats
• A spiritual guide (Spiritual direction)
• Gather some information (study the order your discerning, check out the seminary. Just as a young man or woman cannot know if this or that person is the one to marry until they date, so it is with a religious vocation. Speak with priests, sisters, brothers, deacons.)

II. The Criteria of a good discernment

• What is the DEEPEST DESIRE of my heart?
• Does it last? (Has this desire been in your heart over time or does it come and go like the wind? If it endures it is worth checking out!)
• What does the Church say? Or your fiancé? Discernment needs to be objective, that is, grounded in the prudential judgment of a pastor, vocation director, bishop, religious order, etc. It cannot be just "What I think is right for me."

III. Four Traps to your call

• Dreaming your life, instead of living your dream
• Becoming discouraged at the first obstacle
• Waiting passively for a sign from God
• Listening too much to "good" friends, or to your mum

IV. Take the Step!

• Give it a try! (take a leap of faith! In reality, a year at the seminary or in a religious order is not too long.  At least you'll know if this possibility is for you or not!)
• You have everything to win: if it was not your call, now you know!