Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God's Will

by Bobby Angel, Jackie Angel, Michael Schmitz

Pray, Decide, and Don't Five Steps to Discerning God's Will equips Catholics with a clear five-step discernment process for navigating what St. Ignatius of Loyola calls the movements of the soul, the deeper realities that clue Catholics in to what God is doing deep within their hearts and where He is leading them.

Drawing from the rich tradition of the Church and powerful insights from the saints and the Bible, this invaluable resource teaches Catholics how to recognize God s voice, how to discern spirits, how to know which vocation God is calling them to, and that it s possible to be in the waiting yet fully joyfully alive at the same time.

After reading this book and following this five-step discernment process, Catholics can be at peace with their decision knowing that they have truly discerned God's will.

Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry Includes...
• Questions Catholics should ask themselves when discerning God's will.
• Teachings from St. Ignatius Rules for Discernment.
• Fr. Mike Schmitz's Four Doors discernment method.
Testimonies from a married couple and a priest.
Prayers to pray during times of discernment.
Space to write reflections, thoughts, and inspirations along the way.
In this book, Catholics will learn...
How to know if a desire on their heart is truly from God.
What consolation and desolation are, and how to fight desolation.
What to do when they receive a sign and don't know what it means.
And so much more!

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity

116 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for young people, yet because it's drawn from the Bible, could be helpful for anyone contemplating change.

[Stevenson Agdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is written to be read as a continual guide to discernment I found myself having passively read through it within 3-4 days because it was such a good read!

I love how there were 3 different perspectives from people of different vocations. I definitely saw myself in each of their experiences and it truly inspires me to be more courageous and have the heart to really look into my own desires that God has placed in my heart.

This really is a great practical guide to discerning God’s will in our lives. I’ll definitely reread this with a more read-and-reflect pace for more intentionality in discerning my career/vocation or any important decisions that ought to be guided with God’s will.

I also really appreciate the suggestion of Consecration to Jesus through Mary to help not just in our discernments but also with our relationship with the Lord who loves us. I am now considering consecrating myself to Jesus through Mary.

[Kirstie Elfreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just the best about discernment. I love how simple it was, but just packed with important steps and stories about discernment. I will revisit this book again and again when I face important decisions.

[Sarah Hui · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Catholic youth, this short book was extremely helpful, illuminating, and soothing. Many of the points and questions hit straight home. It’s a book to return to again and again, to read specific sections as needed as the authors themselves suggested. I also really liked the space to journal that was provided. Thank you for writing a wonderful guide to discernment, not just of vocation, but of other impactful decisions!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book definitely most helpful if you’re in the middle of a big decision and you need help discerning the right path.

[Olivia Terryberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple read but still took some practical things away from it! Great!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this once to get a feel for how to use it. I will be using this method to help me make decisions going forward.

[Sayde Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly good book for young people or people who struggle to make decisions. This book is intended to and succeeds in giving practical advice on how to think about big decisions and how the right decision will feel. Better than a lot of self-help books on similar topics. Despite being primarily aimed at Christians, I would give it to a secular friend in need.

[Veronica Marquardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has been struggling to hear God’s will for years, this book is a game changer. I mean it didn’t reveal exactly what I’m supposed to do, but it definitely gave me some strong insights and a new perspective. I highly recommend!!

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hay decisiones en la vida que se sienten y son demasiado importantes como para no haberse parado a pensarlas bien antes... Y me quita la ansiedad saber que hay decisiones que toman años en darse y no se tiene por qué tomar sola ni agobiarse por ello. Todo a su tiempo.

Un "Cómo tomar decisiones de la mano de Dios para Dummies "... Sep. Soy una dummie cristiana (en cierto sentido, ¿no lo somos todos la primera parte al menos?) y me ha encantado. Lo cierto es que empecé este libro porque me estaba agobiando hace meses y no quería precipitarme en relación a un chico. La lectura obviamente me ha ayudado y ayudará para muchas más cosas que tengo en la cabeza pero igualmente ese tema salió bastante bien (en comparación a mi historial previo en toma de decisiones a nivel personal... huh.)

Esta reseña se la dedico a I.P. que tiene decisiones importantes que tomar *emoticono vela encendida*

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, helpful, practical, comforting

[Megan Barta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful reflection on the Christian's lifelong process of discernment. 5 steps to pray, decide, and not worry.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came along just when I needed it. I loved that it was short and to the point. And I underlined at least half of it. I highly recommend this book and will be giving it as a graduation gift in the future.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this quickly just to get an overview and I believe it will be a good resource to come back to again and again when making big decisions. I especially like the reflection questions throughout the book for taking to prayer or for journaling. Definitely one to keep on your bookshelf!

[Logan Manders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has guided my contemplation over which direction to take my career. The text reminded me that simply doing nothing is still a choice. Making right and wrong decisions is part of the discernment process. Rather than falling into analysis paralysis, listen to your conscience, choose a path, and continue adjusting that path according to what God is telling you along the way.

I encourage anyone who’s life is in a state of transition to read “Pray, Decide and Don’t Worry” for themselves. Although it is a short text, resist the temptation to read too quickly; take it in small sips and really internalize what each chapter has to offer.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short work on discernment, Ascension Presents fan favorites the Angels and Father Mike present a 5-step process to making important decisions with God in mind. Discernment is identified as not only something for deciding one's vocation, but for making decisions about many important factors in one's life. With supportive anecdotes, quotes from scripture, saints, and theological experts, this book is great for all kinds of readers who are struggling to make a decision in line with God's will for them.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It is perfect for anyone who is confused to where God wants them. This is the perfect book for anyone struggling to accept or find their discernment from God. He is listening to you, all you need to do is hear Him.

Jackie Angel was so bubbly and optimistic, Bobby Angel was steadfast and devoted to his discernment call and Fr. Mike Schmitz was a ray of sunshine being with all his modern-day references which really captured the readers attention.

This was such a great book and every religion should read it!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to using St. Ignatius Discernment of Spirits. This incorporates the voices of Bobby and Jackie Angel, and Father MIke Schmitz. One of the things I loved about the book is all the thought provoking quotes included. As I moved through the book, I found myself pondering sentences or phrases, or the quotes. I was already very familiar with Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits, but this short book gave me some new food for thought .

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pray, Decide and Don't Worry is like a deep conversation with a trusted friend. Each chapter leads you through an area (and help!) to the discernment process. This book also provides a great opportunity to ponder and journal with reflective questions at the end of each section. This book is not a "one and done", it's a helpful resource for the many big decisions you will face throughout your lifetime. Keep it on your shelf for future reference!

[Jill Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is light book, around 100 pages but I took weeks to read. A great book to read a chapter or even caption and let the message ruminate for a while, till you move on. It really pointed out to me how to keep God's will focused when making decisions. The authors point how God guided their decisions and how those decisions turned out to be the best thing for them, even though it was not what they originally wanted.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, impactful guide, primarily for young adults, to assist in following God's plan for their life vocation. As an 80 year old , the steps to discernment discussed in PRAY, DECIDE and DON'T WORRY are viewed in a different context: meaningful, straight forward, with emphasis on LISTENING to God's will throughout life's journey. No matter what age, the reader will find joy and spiritual fulfillment in this Ascension Press publication written by Bobby & Jackie Angel and Father Mike Schmitz!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short book on discerning God's will for our lives.

The authors, including Father Mike Schmitz, who has quickly become one of my favorite Catholic speakers, outline the steps to take to get out of your own mind and listen to the voice of God.

Through this practice of silence, prayer and listening, an inner peace develops that can lead you on a path of living more in accordance with God's will rather than being manipulated by the anxiety of modernity.

[Stanley W Rimdzius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear guide to making your big decisions in life and trusting in God’s Wisdom for your life.

I found the format of the book helpful to begin changing the way I have been making decisions in my life. Hearing the stories of Fr Mike Schmitz and the authors helped to relate that since the result of a decision can never be fully known we must trust in the Lord as take each step toward realization.

[George Bastedo IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for discernment, whether it be discerning your vocation, making some other big decision, or even trying to do God's will in smaller things. It's quick to simply read from cover to cover, but it is also very useful to just sit and pray with while in the midst of a decision; this even seems to be its primary purpose.

[Booklass Garrahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the audio, but I loved it so much, I bought the audio. I loved everything about this book. I. know people often say, "Everyone should read this!" when they love a book, but, really, every Christian should read this. I am not Catholic,but I found this to be perfect in it's simple message. I even bought the book.

[Tom Canuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book about discernment I have ever read. I wish I had read it years ago because it has completely revolutionized the way I am seeing how God’s will works in our lives and is one of the few books to speak about the cyclic activity of discernment. Loved this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone discerning any major decisions.

[Jennifer Keaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick and easy read. While the book seems to be geared towards young adults, there is plenty of useful guidance for all readers. Authors dive into the 5 steps to discerning Gods will. These steps could be used in all aspects of one’s life. Enjoyable read with many real life anecdotes that make the reading interesting.

[Anj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic and timely read (s/o Charles for recommending). I will be re-reading different chapters at different points in my life. I used this as extra quiet time read the entire week, and was sad it was so short.

(A lot of catholic references but even if you’re not catholic, I think you’ll find it so useful)

[Teodora Fernea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings so much clarity!
It tells you how to approach the big decisions in your live and also gives a lot of input on how to change your mind set about big and small decisions!
Loved it! Thank you!

[SiutkinaOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened Audiobook.
Nice book, very interesting to hear to stories of the authors own discernment stories.
Very empowering.
Many great insights on how to pray and be able to heat the voice of the Lord.