Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry - Bobby Angel, Jackie Angel, Father Mike Schmitz - A Short Summary & Review

 Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God's Will - Bobby Angel, Jackie Angel, Father Mike Schmitz - A Short Summary & Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

How to figure out what God's telling you to do.

A short summary:

Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry by Bobby Angel, Jackie Angel, and Mike Schmitz offers a clear, accessible approach to discerning God’s will without paralysis or overthinking. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, the book walks readers through practical steps for prayerful decision-making grounded in trust rather than anxiety.

Drawing from Ignatius of Loyola’s Discernment of Spirits, the authors emphasize that discernment is not about decoding hidden signs, but about learning to recognize the movements of consolation and desolation in daily life. Prayer, action, and peace are presented not as separate stages, but as a continuous rhythm.

My favorite quote about discernment:

"Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed. Each of us is loved. Each of us is necessary."

Pope Benedict XVI

Questions to ponder while reading:

What do you want to do?

Is what you want REALLY what you want?

My review:

Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry is an excellent guide to the basics of Christian discernment. It removes unnecessary complexity while remaining faithful to the depth of Ignatian spirituality. The authors write with clarity and encouragement, making the process of discernment feel attainable rather than intimidating.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its perspective-shifting approach. Instead of encouraging endless analysis, it affirms that God desires our freedom and growth—not our fear of making mistakes. Discernment is framed as a relationship built on trust, not perfection.

This book is especially helpful for those stuck in indecision or anxious about “getting it wrong.” Practical, pastoral, and reassuring, it offers a steady way forward—teaching readers how to pray thoughtfully, decide responsibly, and rest confidently in God’s guidance.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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