Leo Papa XIV (@Pontifex_ln) video screengrab / X
Pope Leo XIV’s official prayer intention for July is for people to learn how to discern well and follow God’s will in their lives, by rejecting what distracts from Christ and recognizing that the Holy Spirit’s “consolation is the fruit of the right decision.”
The two-minute prayer intention “For formation in discernment” video narrated by the Pontiff, posted to his official X accounts July 3, offers encouragement and practical ways for learning how to discern well. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which promotes the monthly papal intentions, created the video showing priests, religious, and laypeople from around the world.
“Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel,” the Pope begins:
“Holy Spirit, You, Light of our understanding, gentle Breath that guides our decisions, grant me the grace to listen attentively to Your voice, and to discern the hidden paths of my heart, so that I may grasp what truly matters to You, and free my heart from its troubles.
I ask You for the grace to learn how to pause, to become aware of the way I act, of the feelings that dwell within me, and of the thoughts that overwhelm me, which, so often, I fail to notice. I long for my choices to lead me to the joy of the Gospel. Even if I must go through moments of doubt and fatigue, even if I must struggle, reflect, search, and begin again. Because, at the end of the journey, Your consolation is the fruit of the right decision. Grant me a deeper understanding of what moves me, so that I may reject what draws me away from Christ, and love Him and serve Him more fully. Amen.”
Pope Leo recently spoke to seminarians about the importance of cultivating silence and interior awareness in discerning. He told seminarians at the Vatican June 24: “If you take care of your heart, with daily moments of silence, meditation, prayer, you will be able to learn the art of discernment.”
Since the beginning of his pontificate in May, Pope Leo has spoken on several occasions about his concern for young people and their wellbeing. His intention for this summer season — which often is marked by uncertainty and changes — serves as a reminder for all people to slow down and listen to the Holy Spirit, so their desires and love may be purified in pursuit of Christ.
