Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making [Paperback]

Timothy M. Gallagher OMV (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Every Chrstian has a Mission. What's Yours?
"Is it time to change jobs?" "Should I marry?"
"Am I called to religious life?"

Sooner or later, every thoughtful Christian asks such questions. For everyone ready to make the shift from "What do I want for my life?" to "what does God want for my life?" Fr. Gallagher offers this new book to help you make sense of your major life decisions.

Drawing from the timeless methods of Ignatius Loyola and richly illustrated with examples and stories, this book offers practical wisdom for aligning your will to God's will. Fr. Gallagher takes you through each step of the process, including opening your heart to whatever God wants; making use of silence, the Eucharist, Scripture, and spiritual direction; and finding clarity (and what to do when you lack clarity).

While this book focuses on the major decisions such as marriage and career and vocation choices, the insights gained here can be adapted to other significant life decisions as well. Fr. Gallagher's clear style makes this book an important resource for all who want to discover where God is leading them, as well as for spiritual directors, retreat directors, and counselors

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Father Gallagher has emerged as one of the foremost commentators on Ignatian spirituality in the United States."  —Harvey D. Egan, SJ, professor, Boston College

"Fr. Tim Gallagher has quickly become one of the leading commentators on Ignatian discernment."  —George Aschenbrenner, SJ

"What I most admire is what lies behind Gallagher's book—an extraordinary patience in gathering so many opposite examples . . . in part from his own experience . . . and in part from his reading."  —Reverend Brian O'Leary, SJ, spiritual director and professor, Milltown Institute of Theology & Philosophy

About the Author

Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., a popular retreat leader, Ignatian scholar, and lecturer around the world, holds a doctorate from the Gregorian University and is the author of sevearl bestselling books, including The Discernement of Spirits (now the topic of a TV series) and The Examen Prayer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824524896
• ISBN-13: 978-0824524890
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV, is considered to be one of the greatest interpreters of the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola. He is a popular retreat leader, an Ignatius scholar, and a lecturer. He is the author of The Discernment of Spirits: The Ignatian Rule for Everyday Life, The Examen Prayer, and An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, April 21, 2010

By 

Sean Herriott "Sean" (Green Bay) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making (Paperback)

Fr. Gallagher's book beautifully expresses the Ignatian concept of God being found in the midst of everyday life. He gives practical, simple steps for thinking through decisions in light of God's priorities rather than ours, and then applying what we know about our own gifts and inclinations. This is a perfect book to read if you're mulling a decision in your life or if you'd like to have a better framework for making them as you go forward.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for any spiritual library!, January 28, 2010

By 

Seeker of the Truth - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making (Paperback)

Easy to read and apply, this is an outstanding step-by-step guide for discerning God's will in your life. Loaded with helpful examples from Fr. Gallagher's many years of spiritual direction and from the best writers on the topic. Will be considered a classic in the field. One of the best books I've read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a great retreat book, November 9, 2010

By 

Christopher Allen (Derby, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making (Paperback)

I read this book when I was on a retreat at a benedict monastery. It made me think about the will of god in my life. It has examples of some people becoming a priest, married and some other major decision.