Give us insight to discern your will for us

These words, or similar, have been an important part of my prayer life recently. I’ve been helping — or at least I hope I’ve been of some help — a good friend finally reach a decision about where she should be going in her ministry. It has been a subject that has come up several times over the last few years. I’ve felt for a long time that Reader ministry would be right for her, would go some way towards answering God’s calling on her life in the most appropriate way.

There has been a long period of discernment. But now things are beginning to move incredibly quickly. She is in the process of making her application to offer for Reader ministry. And I’m in the process of writing her a reference. It has been an honour, and a tremendous pleasure, to walk this walk with my friend.

But I am a little nervous about it all. I’m not a vocations advisor (though she has seen one), and nor have I had any training in the field. All I’ve got are my prayers; and lots of doubts and questions. Have I given the right advice? Have I steered her? Or has it been God all along? Is Readership right for her? Should she be offering for ordination? etc. etc. etc.??

All questions I can remember only too well facing before I offered myself for Readership. And in the nearly ten years since I was licensed I’ve never felt the decision was wrong. I hope, and pray, that my friend will be fortunate enough to feel the same.

Eternal God,
give us insight
to discern your will for us,
to give up what harms us,
and to seek the perfection we are promised
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Additional Collect for the Third Sunday of Lent
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council