The second approach to making a life-shaping decision relies more upon feelings and inclinations that the first method of deciding. It involves a situation in which you have strong leadings in one direction but remain uncertain about whether they allow you to love and serve God adequately. So, it suggests that you consider 4 rules before bringing your decision to prayer for confirmation.
 
1. First, you must make your love of God first and foremost among your considerations. All your gifts and capabilities were received from God and should be used in the service of God and others. If this is not foremost in your mind when deciding a course of action, the decision cannot be healthy for you.
 
2. Second, you should become indifferent to any choice you might make by considering the advice you would make to a complete stranger for whom you have nothing but positive feelings. After listening to the advice you would give this person, you should apply it to your own situation.
 
3. Third, you should consider the decision you would make if you were at the point of death and implement it in your life.
 
4. Fourth, and finally, you should go beyond your death to the day of judgment and consider if you would find your current decision has brought you happiness and joy.
 
After considering the implications of these four rules, you should bring all of your reflections and considerations in prayer before God asking for the confirmation of the decision you have made. To do this, with the first method of deciding, you may find it helpful to apply Ignatius’ rules for discernment at the end of this process to determine if you experience consolation when looking at your decision. If not, you may want to repeat the process using this method or the first way of making a rational consideration.

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