Module 3 · Discernment
Prayer, Discernment & Spiritual Depth
Who am I becoming before the pressure arrives?
Introduction
Why this module exists
Hard decisions reveal formation; they rarely create it. This module builds the interior life of the physician — prayer, silence, Scripture, wise counsel and a personal rule of life — before crisis makes formation urgent.
- Establish a sustainable rhythm of prayer during clinical training
- Practice discernment as a structured process, not a feeling
- Identify wise counsel before it is needed
- Build a personal Rule of Life for future physicians
Session
Formation session video
Stage 3 session — Discernment
Recording is published by the program director after the Friday session.
Required
Readings
Catechism
- CCC §§2697–2699 — The life of prayer
- CCC §§1776–1785 — Conscience formation
Optional
Deeper study
Reflection
Answer honestly — this is private
Discussion
For the cohort
- What happens to discernment when we are exhausted?
- How does community protect an individual conscience?
Prayer
This week's prayer
“Teach me to be silent long enough to hear you before the pager goes off.”
Personal application
This week, in your own life
Complete your Rule of Life: prayer, work, study, rest, relationships, worship, service.
Ministry application
This week, in the cohort
Begin a fixed weekly prayer time for the cohort.
Knowledge check
Why does formation need to precede crisis?
Notes
Your module notes
The question beneath everything
What kind of doctor are you becoming?