Lord, I want to be happy in this life and spend eternity with You in the life to come.

From the first moment of my existence, You knew my vocation. Please help me discover Your plan for my life.

Help me to know myself. Help me to know my fears. Help me to want what You want.  Help me to trust You completely.

Send Your Holy Spirit into my mind and heart so I can see the gifts You have given me, and hear Your call to serve the Church. Increase my desire to bring others to You and to help them reach heaven.

Mary Most Holy, Mother of God, pray for me, that I can discover my vocation and have the courage to respond in faith. Amen

Six Ways to Discover My Vocation

How can I know God’s plan for my life?

1. PRAYER. Prayer is a conversation with God – not just saying prayers, but speaking to the Lord fro your heart. Every day, read the Bible and talk with Jesus as if he were your best friend. Ask him to reveal his plan for you: “Jesus, I want what you want. Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.” Trust completely that God has a plan for you.

2. SACRAMENTS. The soul is the window through which we can see God and hear his voice. If the window is dirty because of sin, it must be cleaned through Confession so we can be in union with God. Why ou receive Communion, ask Jesus to show you your vocation.

3. GOOD INFORMATION. It is impossible to discover your vocation without good information. What does it mean to have a holy Christian marriage? What do priests do? What is it like to be a religious sister or brother? Find good information online at www.foryourvocation.org, then take what you have learned back to prayer.

4. THE BLESSED MOTHER. Mary is the ultimate example of openness to the will of God. Are you open to God’s will for you? Pray three Hail Mary’s ever day, specifically to know your vocation and have the courage to follow it.

5. GO ON RETREAT. Miracles happen on retreats! One of the surest ways to discover God’s plan for you is to enter into silence and prayer over an extended period. Ask your Vocation Director to help you find a good retreat.

6. GET ADVICE. Don’t try to discern your vocation alone, without the help of the Church. Talk to a sister, priest, or deacon you trust.

When the time comes, you must act! Move in the direction your heart tells you, confident that God will never send you where his grace cannot sustain you!

 Vocation prayer provided by the Diocese of Providence, Vianney Vocations.