Discerning a Carmelite vocation. A Six-Week Programme
And he said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him, and said,
“What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13(RSV )
This discernment programme is intended for women who are beginning to explore a possible Carmelite vocation.
(Men please see www.carmelite.org.uk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwOwS4LLjkU )
For more general discernment you may find Lead Thou Me On a more useful programme. If, at this point in your quest, you are simply looking for information about the Carmelite Order you will find that in other areas of this website.
The ‘still small voice’ of God is heard in a quietly attentive heart. It is recommended that you use this programme slowly and prayerfully, spending a full week with the material provided in each section, setting aside some time each day. Keep a notebook in which to write down your thoughts, answers to the questions, or questions of your own. At the beginning of each week, ask the Holy Spirit for light and guidance.
