Learning to Hear God’s Voice
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
You guide us from within.
Help us form our conscience well.
Teach us to recognise what is right
and choose it faithfully.
Amen.
Part One
What Is Conscience?
Inside every person,
there is a voice.
Not a loud voice.
Not a voice we hear with our ears.
But an inner sense
that tells us:
“This is right.”
“This is wrong.”
The Bible says:
“I will give them a new heart,
and I will put a new spirit within them.”
Conscience is not a feeling.
It is the judgment of reason
about whether something is good or evil.
It helps us choose.
But conscience must be formed.
Just as we train our minds and bodies,
we must train our conscience.
Scripture
“I will give them a new heart.”
(Ezekiel 36:26)
Think and Discuss
Have you ever felt inside that something was wrong?
Can feelings sometimes confuse us?
How do we learn what is truly right?
Why is it important that conscience be trained?
Allow thoughtful answers.
Part Two
Forming Conscience
Conscience is not simply:
“Whatever I think is right.”
If that were true,
everyone could decide differently
and still claim to be correct.
God has revealed what is good:
Through Scripture.
Through the Church.
Through the Commandments.
Through the example of Christ.
To form our conscience, we:
Learn the teachings of the Church.
Pray for wisdom.
Examine our actions honestly.
Seek good advice.
A well-formed conscience becomes clearer over time.
It grows stronger
when we choose what is right.
If we ignore conscience repeatedly,
it becomes weaker.
If we listen carefully,
it becomes steady.
Guidance for Adults
Avoid teaching conscience as private preference.
Emphasise formation through truth, prayer, and Church teaching.
Part Three
Listening and Acting
Conscience does two things:
It warns us before we act.
It judges after we act.
Before a choice,
it may whisper:
“Do not say that.”
“Be patient.”
“Tell the truth.”
After a choice,
it may give peace
or discomfort.
That discomfort is not meant to crush us.
It invites repentance.
Conscience works together with grace.
We ask the Holy Spirit
to enlighten our mind
and strengthen our will.
Sometimes doing what is right
feels difficult.
But choosing the good
strengthens our character.
Conscience helps us grow
into trustworthy and faithful people.
It prepares us
for the moment of judgment.
If we live honestly before God now,
we need not fear seeing Him face to face.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Think of a recent choice.
Did you feel peace or discomfort afterward?
Now say quietly:
“Holy Spirit, guide my conscience.”
Remain in silence together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Examine your conscience each evening.
• Learn one Commandment more deeply.
• Ask advice before making a difficult decision.
• Pray for wisdom before acting.
Choose one and keep it steady.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat slowly:
“I will give them a new heart.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.
Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“Guide me in truth.”
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Form our conscience in truth.
Help us recognise what is right
and choose it courageously.
Keep our hearts honest before You.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 