Theological reflection can be a great help in the process of discernment. The following quotation come from Sister Kathleen McAlpin, RSM, in Ministry That Transforms: A Contemplative Process of Theological Reflection (Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press) 2009.
What is Theological Reflection?
"Theological reflection is a way of doing theology that starts from the experiences of life and leads to searching in faith, for deeper meaning, and for the living God. However, it is deciding how to live out of this reflective search that is the critical intention of the process of theological reflection.
Theological reflection places the reflector in conversation with other sources of the revelation of God, primarily the faith tradition of the person or community. The world context of the experience is also particularly revelatory of meaning and the living God. The faith tradition and spirituality of the reflector are additional significant sources revealing the experience of God. Critical conversation among the sources is a process by which clarification, differences, or insights mutually challenge and expand each other. From this deepened awareness of God's presence in the experience, decisions are made for more relevant and prophetic choices in ministry. Through this critical conversation the reflector is often challenged to a response of conversion of heart, mind, and action." (page 7)
Click here for an excerpt of Ministry That Transforms: A Contemplative Process of Theological Reflection from Liturgical Press.
