Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V. is a popular retreat leader, Ignatian scholar, and lecturer around the world. He holds a doctorate from the Gregorian University and is the author of several bestselling books, including The Examen Prayer.
"This highly practical and lucidly written book is yet another
example of why Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M. V., is America's
preeminent interpreter of and writer on Ignatian spiritual
direction and discernment." Harvey D, Egan, S.J., Emeritus
Professor of Systematic and Mystical Theology, Boston College
"I have used Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher's work on Ignatian
discernment for both personal reflection and teaching, from the
undergraduate to the doctoral levels. He has established himself as
the one of the premier interpreters of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
writing in English today, and this book is no exception. A
beautiful example of profoundly pastoral theology, Discerning the
Will of God: A Handbook for Spiritual Directors offers an important
complement to his earlier work Discerning the Will of God: An
Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making, which has been a
source of consolation for many today who seek guidance from
Ignatius's wisdom about discernment. This new book will be a sine
qua non for the training of spiritual directors, especially as
interest in Ignatian discernment grows at retreat centers,
parishes, and universities worldwide. I am grateful for the
important work that Fr. Gallagher has undertaken and for the many
who will benefit from his work." Tim Muldoon, author of The
Ignatian Workout and Living Against the Grain: How to Make
Decisions that Lead to an Authentic Life
"A wonderful book! Sure to become a standard text for those in
ministry. It will be an invaluable resource for all spiritual
directors and those in pastoral ministry. Simply put, Gallagher
"gets" St. Ignatius of Loyola. He understands Loyola's timeless
wisdom and effectively teaches the reader to understand it as
well." Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J., spiritual director and author of
Armchair Mystic and God, I Have Issues
"The fruit of mature reflection and prayer, Fr. Timothy Gallagher's
book, aimed specifically at assisting those who help others to
discern the will of God, has been eagerly awaited by spiritual
directors. With the hallmark of his earlier work Gallagher employs
pertinent existential experiences to illustrate and concretize his
points and helpful scriptural readings for prayer. Importantly, the
work exemplifies the dispositions that Gallagher seeks to inculcate
not just in would be "discerners" but also and significantly in the
directors themselves. These involve a maturity and disciplined
practice regarding prayer, both meditation and contemplation;
faithfulness to making the examen; the review of prayer and
attending to repetition; and an ongoing conscious employment of the
rules for discernment. The goal is to be so well disposed that
openness to the will of God becomes a deep fissure within. Though
the aim is to assist the "discerner" spiritual directors know well
that they are blessed in and through the process. This work makes
clear our challenge is to be deeply honed instruments for such
service!" Gill Goulding C.J., Professor Systematic Theology Regis
College, Toronto
"Fr. Timothy Gallagher has succeeded in writing an important and
very useful sequel to his Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian
Guide to Christian Decision Making. It is addressed especially to
spiritual directors who may be journeying with someone who is
discerning God's will in their life. Spiritual directors will find
important, practical examples and settings to help them in the
indispensable ministry of accompanying someone discerning God's
will outside the context of the "full" Spiritual Exercises." Ernest
Sherstone, O.M.V., Founder of the Lanteri Center for Ignatian
Spirituality, Denver, and director of St. Joseph Retreat House,
Milton, MA
"Spiritual directors and those who form them will find a treasure
in Fr. Timothy Gallagher's book, Discerning the Will of God: A
Handbook for Spiritual Directors. Fr. Gallagher's careful study of
classical texts have brought clarity and depth to the understanding
of Ignatian discernment. He facilitates a transfer of wisdom from
these first spiritual directors to contemporary ones who are asking
similar questions about the faithful accompaniment of those who
truly desire to choose God's will. Accessible, thoughtful, and
pastorally sensitive, this book is sure to be a lasting resource
for teachers and directors alike." Catherine Macaulay, spiritual
director, wife, and mother, faculty of the Ignatian Centre,
Montreal
"It is one thing to understand St. Ignatius' teaching on discerning
the will of God, and quite another to understand how to apply that
teaching in guiding particular persons in vocational discernment.
Fr. Gallagher draws on his many years of study and experience to
provide a practical guidebook for those privileged to accompany
others in discerning the will of God. This book has strengthened my
confidence as a spiritual director." Daniel P. Barron, O.M.V.,
Director of Spiritual Formation, St. John Vianney Theological
Seminary, Denver, CO
"Fr. Gallagher gives spiritual directors the insight and tools
needed to help others to lay the foundation for discerning the will
of God, to remove the human and spiritual obstacles to discovering
it, and to form the proper disposition of heart for cooperating
with it. This handbook offers wise and practical help for all who
accompany others in the spiritual life." Christina Lynch, Ph.D.,
Director of Psychological Services, St. John Vianney Theological
Seminary, Denver, CO
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