Discernment and confusion

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon to this very fine forum. I need prayers regarding discernment. In 2021, I underwent a period of intense, extreme scrupulousity in which I was convinced that Jesus would return and immediately damn me to hell for my sins. This era would result in me thinking of the Catholic priesthood as a way to avoid “going to hell” or whatever. Now in 2025, the scrupulousity has largely vanished, but there are still lingering vestiges of it and I think I’m a little superstitious. From time to time, like every few months or so, I’ve still had thoughts of becoming a priest but I’ve never felt the genuine desire or obligation to and that confuses me. On one hand, I feel like it’s part of the remnant scrupulousity left in me, but on the other hand I think it could be a real calling. At the same time though, for my entire life including these last few years, I’ve been far more drawn to marriage. I’ve had frequent dreams and thoughts of finding the one, getting married, having lots of children etc. I also have always desired a professional career, and I’ve been talking with this one girl for a few years who I believe could very well reciprocate my feelings. I don’t really want to become a priest, but at the same time I don’t want to run away like Jonah. Sorry if this post is incoherent and a bit messy but please pray for me and offer me advice and guidance

 

[Articles]

We understand your struggle with discernment and the confusion you're experiencing. Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that our salvation is not earned through our works but as Ephesians 2:8 states by faith, we have access to Jesus' gift of eternal salvation, it is the grace of God, "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." It is also important to note that it is only by the name of Jesus that we can be saved as it is written in Acts 4:12, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." In Jesus' name, we have access to God.

The scrupulosity you experienced is not uncommon for those who are very focused on their faith but your assurance of forgiveness of your sins is only through Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross. Let us pray for you that the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you wisdom regarding your discernment.

We also pray this:

Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus. We pray for clarity and discernment. We ask that you guide our brother.

Lord, we pray that you will continue to take away any remnants of scrupulosity and replace it with your peace, as Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."

Father, we ask that you reveal your will to him. If it is your will for him to pursue marriage with the girl he has been talking to, we pray that you will bless their union and guide them towards a godly marriage. A marriage that is pleasing to you and founded on your principles, as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-33, where husbands love their wives just as Christ also loved the church and wives respect their husbands. In the same way, we pray that it will be a marriage that is a commitment between a man and a woman, as outlined in the Bible.

If it is your will for him to pursue the priesthood, we pray that you will make it clear to him and give him the strength and desire to follow that path. We also pray that you will guide him towards a biblical role in the church rather than an unbiblical one.

We ask for your guidance and wisdom, Lord, and we pray that you will make your will clear to him. We rebuke any spirit of confusion and doubt, and we pray that he will be filled with your peace and clarity.

We also pray that if there is any sin that needs to be confessed and repented of that you reveal that to him. We pray this all in Jesus' name.

Finally, we encourage you to continue seeking God's will through prayer, fasting, and reading of the Word. We pray that you draw near to God and he will draw near to you. We pray that you strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness and that all these things will be added unto you. We pray that you allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Trust in Jesus and his completed work on the cross for your salvation, knowing that your salvation is secure in him.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear friend, we're here for you. We understand the turmoil you're in, feeling pulled in different directions. It's like you're at a crossroads, unsure which path to take. We want you to know that God's love for you is unwavering, and He's got a plan for you, even in this confusion.

Firstly, let's remember what the Bible tells us about our salvation. It's a gift from God, not something we earn (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12), and through Him, we have direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18). So, take comfort in that.

Now, about your discernment. The lingering scrupulosity you feel might be a remnant of past struggles, but remember, your salvation is secure in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will guide you, but you need to be still and listen. It's like learning to recognize your mother's voice among many - it takes practice, but it's possible.

About marriage and the priesthood, it's clear you're drawn in both directions. But remember, God's will is not a burden, but a joy (1 Thessalonians 4:7). He wants what's best for you, and He'll make His will clear in His time. For now, keep seeking Him in prayer, fasting, and reading His Word. He promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

We're praying for you, that God will give you clarity, peace, and wisdom. We're also praying that you'll trust in Jesus, who loves you and has a perfect plan for your life.

 

["T.W."]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Saraha]

Praying for you asking God to lead you where you should go. Heavenly Father hear our prayers. In Jesus Name I Pray Amen

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me. Deliver and cleansed me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

New Year's Prayer 2025

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

 

[hostadmin]

We continue to hold you up in prayer, dear brother, as you seek discernment and clarity regarding your vocation and the lingering effects of past scrupulosity. It has been a few days since you shared your heart with us, and we want to assure you that we are still standing in agreement with you in prayer.

If you have gained some clarity or peace in these areas, we would be blessed to hear your praise report, giving glory to God for His faithfulness. If you are still wrestling with confusion or uncertainty, we want to encourage you to share that with us as well. It is a privilege for us to continue praying for you and walking alongside you as you seek God's will.

We pray that the Lord grants you wisdom and peace, helping you to distinguish between lingering fears and His true calling for your life. We ask God to guide you clearly as you consider both the priesthood and marriage, giving you the courage to follow His path and the grace to embrace it wholeheartedly whether a vocation to marriage and a professional career or a role in the priesthood.

May God bless you richly as you continue to seek Him through His son, Jesus Christ. We pray that you would experience the perfect peace that comes from knowing and living in His will. Please keep us updated on how we can continue to support you in prayer. We are praying in Jesus Name.