The I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on listening to God helps young people recognize how God calls them in everyday life. In a busy world full of distractions, it’s easy to miss His voice. This lesson encourages youth to slow down and reflect on how God speaks to them personally. Youth will also learn how the Examen can be used to listen to God.
By learning to listen to God, they can develop a deeper connection with Him. They will come to understand that God knows them intimately and always desires to guide them. When they hear His voice, they will be better prepared to respond in faith.
The lesson also teaches that listening to God requires action. It is not enough to hear God’s call—we must follow Him in our daily lives. This lesson encourages young people to take those first steps toward following Jesus more closely.
Through this lesson plan, young people will discover ways to quiet the noise around them and focus on God. They will learn to recognize His voice and trust that He leads them, just like a shepherd leads his sheep.
Opening Game for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
Begin this lesson plan on service by playing the Shepherd’s Voice game (find the full instructions at Shepherd’s Voice Game).
After the game, ask a few questions:
- Did you try to reach your shepherd on your own, or did you stay with the group?
- Were you able to hear your shepherd calling?
- What challenges made it hard to reach your shepherd?
God calls to each of us, just like a shepherd calls to his sheep. But sometimes we can’t hear Him, or obstacles get in the way.
Scripture Reading for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
John 10:27-30 (Jesus cares for us like a shepherd) – the Gospel Reading for the 4th Sunday of Easter – Year C
The Father and I are one.”
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
Discussion for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
Imagine you are a sheep standing in a large field, surrounded by about 100 other sheep. The field is noisy, full of the sounds of sheep bleating and moving around. In the distance, you see four or five shepherds, each trying to gather their own group of sheep. The shepherds are calling out, but with so many voices and so much noise, how do you know which one to follow?
This simple scene helps us understand something important about our relationship with Jesus. In John 10:27, Jesus tells us, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This means that, just like a sheep recognizes the voice of its shepherd, we need to be able to hear and recognize Jesus’ voice. But how do we do that? Let’s break it down.
My sheep hear my voice.
First of all, we need to be able to hear the Lord’s voice. If we are too distracted by everything going on in our lives, we won’t hear Him calling to us. In a world full of distractions—phones, social media, school, and friends—it can be really hard to focus on listening to God. It’s like trying to pick out one shepherd’s voice among all the noise in that field.
There are many things that can get in the way of hearing God. We might feel like we’re too busy to spend time in prayer. Maybe we let other things take priority, like hanging out with friends or playing video games, instead of going to Sunday Mass or making time for God during the week. It’s easy to let these distractions fill up our time, and before we know it, we’ve pushed God aside.
But Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, keeps calling us. He never stops reaching out. We need to make sure we are quieting down enough to hear Him. One way to do this is by setting aside some time each day to pray, even if it’s just a few minutes. This helps us become more aware of His presence and voice in our lives.
I know them.
The next thing Jesus tells us is, “I know them.” Think about that. Jesus knows you. Not just as part of a crowd, but personally. He knows everything about you—your strengths, your weaknesses, your hopes, and your struggles. This is important because He calls each of us in a way that is personal. He knows how to get your attention.
Sometimes, we experience this as a little feeling or thought that keeps coming back to us. Maybe we feel a tug on our heart to pray more, to help someone, or to make a change in our life. This is what we call the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It’s God’s way of nudging us in the right direction.
We can ignore this feeling, and if we do, it will eventually go away. But a much better option is to take it seriously. Spend some time in prayer asking, “Lord, what are you trying to tell me?” It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just talk to God like you would talk to a friend. The more you listen, the more you will hear Him.
They follow me.
The final part of Jesus’ words is, “They follow me.” It’s not enough to just hear God’s voice and feel the tug of the Holy Spirit. We have to take action. Listening to God requires us to do something. When we know God is calling us to take a step—whether it’s big or small—we need to move.
This can be scary or uncomfortable. Maybe God is calling you to apologize to someone, help a friend, or spend more time in prayer. Maybe He’s asking you to change something in your life that’s pulling you away from Him. Whatever it is, the first step might feel hard, but once we take it, we will find that God gives us the strength to keep going.
The Examen Prayer
There is a form of prayer called the Examen that can help us with listening to God. It’s simple and easy to do, but it can make a big difference in your relationship with God. The Examen is a way of reflecting on your day and noticing where God was present.
Let’s go through a basic version of it right now. First, find a comfortable place where you can relax. Take a few deep breaths and become aware of God’s presence. He is with you right now. Make the sign of the cross.
Pause
Now, think back over the past 24 hours. What did you do? Who were you with? When you remember something good, take a moment to enjoy that memory. Thank God for those good moments.
A longer pause
Next, think about your emotions over the past day. Were there any strong feelings—whether good or bad—that stood out? If so, take note of them. These strong emotions can often be clues to where God is working in your life.
Another long pause
Now, choose one of the events or emotions from the last day to pray about. Imagine Jesus is sitting right next to you. Talk to Him about that moment. Ask Him what He wants you to know. If you need forgiveness for something, ask for it. If you need help, ask for that too.
Another long pause
Finally, think about tomorrow. Did anything come up during this prayer time that makes you want to take action? Is there something you need to do to follow Jesus more closely? If so, make a commitment to take that first step.
Another long pause
End your prayer by making the sign of the cross.
Pause
The Examen is a powerful tool for listening to God and responding to His call in your life. Try to make it a part of your daily routine, and you will find it easier to hear His voice.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
When leading small group discussions, encourage open and respectful sharing. Remind participants that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers in these conversations, and everyone’s experience matters. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Allow time for each person to speak, and guide the conversation back to the topic if it drifts. Use the questions below to explore the lesson on listening to God, and encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences.
- What is one thing you can do this week to improve your prayer life and make more space for listening to God? How will you commit to this?
- Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” How can we make time in our busy lives to listen to God? What are some distractions that make it hard to hear Him?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you felt a “tug” on your heart, like the Holy Spirit was prompting you? How did you respond?
- What do you think it means that Jesus says, “I know them”? How does it make you feel to know that God knows you personally?
- What are some practical steps we can take to be more aware of God’s voice in our lives?
- In your opinion, what is the hardest part about listening to God? Is it hearing Him, trusting Him, or taking action?
- The Examen prayer encourages us to reflect on our day. How might this help you become more aware of God’s presence in your daily life?
- How can we help each other stay focused on listening to God in a world full of distractions?
- Think about a time when you followed God’s call. What happened? How did it affect your relationship with Him?
- Why do you think it’s important to not only hear God’s voice but to take action as well? How can you take that first step when you feel God calling you?
Challenge for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
This week, I encourage you to try praying the Examen every day. It’s a simple way to look back on your day and see where God was present. Take just a few minutes each night to reflect on what happened, how you felt, and where you noticed God at work. As you go through this process, you might start to see patterns or moments that you didn’t notice during the day. It’s a great way to become more aware of how God is speaking to you.
Use this time of reflection as an opportunity for listening to God. Pay attention to any feelings or thoughts that keep coming back. These could be prompts from God, inviting you to make a change or take some kind of action. Ask God what He’s trying to tell you, and see if you are prompted to do something differently. Whether it’s reaching out to someone, praying more, or changing a habit, listen for what God is calling you to do.
Download a printable copy of how to pray the Daily Examen to share.
Prayer for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
We will conclude our time together by taking a moment to offer our intentions. Think about anything that is on your heart—whether it’s a prayer for someone you know, a challenge you are facing, or simply something you want to thank God for. This is a chance to bring those thoughts before God and trust that He is listening.
After we share our intentions, we will unite in prayer by praying The Our Father together. This prayer reminds us that God is our Father, who cares for us, guides us, and calls us to follow Him. Let’s pray it with open hearts, listening to God as we speak the words Jesus taught us.
More Resources for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
Themes for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
- Hearing God’s Call: Listening to God is essential in understanding His plan for our lives. He speaks to us in many ways, especially through prayer. Recognizing His voice helps us grow in faith.
- Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus is the shepherd who calls us by name. By listening to God, we learn to trust and follow Him. This relationship helps us stay close to Christ.
- Quieting Distractions: To hear God, we need to clear out distractions from our lives. Modern life is full of noise, but listening to God requires stillness. Prayer and reflection help us focus on Him.
- God Knows Us: God knows us better than we know ourselves. Listening to God reminds us of His deep love and personal care. He speaks in ways that touch our hearts.
- Responding in Faith: When we hear God calling, we need to respond. Listening to God means more than hearing; it requires action. We show our love for God by following His direction.
- The Holy Spirit’s Guidance: The Holy Spirit often prompts us through quiet nudges. Listening to God involves being attentive to these gentle signs. The Spirit helps us stay on the right path.
- Daily Prayer: Regular prayer is a key way to practice listening to God. Through prayer, we open our hearts to His voice. It strengthens our relationship with Him.
- Trust in God’s Plan: When we listen to God, we trust that His plan is good. We may not always understand, but God’s guidance is always for our best. Listening helps us follow His will.
- Spiritual Growth: Listening to God leads to deeper spiritual growth. As we follow His voice, we become more like Christ. This helps us grow in holiness.
- Jesus and the Father: Jesus tells us that He and the Father are one. By listening to God, we draw closer to both the Son and the Father. This strengthens our faith in the Holy Trinity.
Background Material for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
Listening to God is a central part of Catholic teaching and Christian life. From the Bible to Church tradition, we learn that God calls us to hear His voice and follow Him. This idea is clearly expressed in John 10:27-30, where Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This passage helps us understand that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows us and desires to lead us. He wants us to hear Him and trust in His care. Listening to God is essential for growing closer to Him.
In the Bible, the image of God as a shepherd is repeated many times. In Psalm 23:1, we hear the comforting words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This reminds us that God provides for us and protects us like a shepherd cares for his sheep. Just like sheep must listen to their shepherd’s voice, we are called to listen to God. If we trust and follow Him, we can find safety and guidance in our lives.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also speaks about the importance of listening to God. It explains that faith comes from hearing. “To obey (from the Latin word ‘obedire’, to hear or listen to) in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself” (CCC 144). This means that listening to God is the foundation of our faith. We hear His word, believe it, and then follow His guidance because we trust in His truth.
Listening to God also involves the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us hear God’s voice in our hearts and guides us on the right path. The Catechism teaches that “Through an utterly free decision, God has revealed himself and given himself to man. This he does by revealing the mystery, his plan of loving goodness, formed from all eternity in Christ, for the benefit of all men. God has fully revealed this plan by sending us his beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 50). This shows that God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, making it important to be open to the Spirit’s promptings in our daily lives.
Another important way we listen to God is through prayer. When we take time to pray, we create space to hear His voice. St. Teresa of Avila said, “Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” Through prayer, we build a close relationship with God, and we become more able to hear and recognize His voice. The more we pray, the better we understand what God is asking of us.
Finally, listening to God always leads us to action. Once we hear His call, we are invited to respond. The letter of James reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). We must live out what we hear from God by following His teachings and acting according to His will. Listening to God is not a passive experience—it requires us to follow Him in our daily lives.
In summary, listening to God is a core part of Catholic faith and teaching. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and action, we are called to hear and follow God’s voice. The more we listen, the closer we grow to Him and the better we can live according to His will.
Music Suggestions for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by Ed Bolduc
- Shepherd by Amanda Cook
- Give Me Ears to Listen by Timothy Smith
How to Pray the Daily Examen
The Daily Examen is a powerful prayer practice from St. Ignatius of Loyola that helps you become more aware of God’s presence in your everyday life. By reflecting on your day, you can see how God has been guiding you and understand your emotions and actions better. This prayer encourages gratitude and helps you grow spiritually. It can be adapted to focus on different areas of life, like relationships or personal strengths. Regularly practicing the Examen builds self-awareness and a deeper connection with God, making it an important part of your spiritual routine.
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
If you are looking for more lesson plans and reflections like the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on listening to God, visit our website. We offer free resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists to help guide young people in their faith. You can find more lesson plans on listening to God, prayer, and other important topics for Catholic youth. Check out our free lesson plans and reflections to help engage your students and youth groups in a deeper relationship with God.
Questions and Answers for the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on Listening to God
What is the focus of the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan?
The focus is on listening to God and learning how to recognize His voice in our daily lives. The lesson uses the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd to help participants understand how God calls and guides us.
Why is listening to God important?
Listening to God is essential for building a relationship with Him. It helps us follow His guidance and grow in faith. By hearing His voice, we understand His plan for our lives and learn to trust Him.
How can young people learn to listen to God?
Young people can learn to listen to God by spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and reflecting on their experiences. This lesson plan encourages them to quiet distractions and pay attention to God’s voice in their hearts.
What does it mean to listen to God in prayer?
Listening to God in prayer means being open to His guidance and taking time to hear what He is saying. It involves both talking to God and being silent, allowing Him to speak to us through the Holy Spirit.
How does the lesson use the image of the Good Shepherd?
The lesson uses the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd from John 10:27-30. Just as sheep listen to their shepherd’s voice, we are called to listen to God, trust Him, and follow Him.
What are some practical steps for listening to God?
Practical steps include setting aside quiet time for prayer, reading the Bible, and being aware of the Holy Spirit’s promptings in daily life. Taking action on what God is asking is also an important part of listening to God.
How does this lesson fit with Catholic teaching?
This lesson fits Catholic teaching by emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, and following God’s will. It draws from Scripture, the Catechism, and Church tradition to teach how listening to God leads to a deeper relationship with Him.
Can this lesson be adapted for different age groups?
Yes, this lesson can be adapted for different age groups by adjusting the activities and discussions. The main message of listening to God is relevant for all ages and can be tailored to different learning levels.
How does the Holy Spirit help with listening to God?
The Holy Spirit guides us by prompting us in our hearts and helping us understand God’s will. Being open to the Holy Spirit makes it easier to listen to God and follow His path.
What does it mean to take action after listening to God?
Taking action means responding to what God is asking of us. It could be making a change in our behavior, following a new path, or simply trusting Him more. Listening to God always leads to action in our lives.
Conclusion
The I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on listening to God helps young people understand how to hear and respond to God’s voice. It draws on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows each of us and calls us by name. By using this lesson, youth can learn to recognize God’s voice through prayer, Scripture, and reflection.
This lesson encourages students to reflect on the distractions in their lives that may keep them from hearing God. It teaches that listening to God is an active process. We must make space for God to speak and then take action to follow His guidance.
The lesson plan also introduces the practice of the Examen, a simple way to reflect on the day and listen to God’s promptings. Through this practice, students can grow closer to God and better understand His will. The focus is on daily listening to God and responding with trust and action.
Your Turn
Try the I Hear My Shepherd Lesson Plan on listening to God with your students or youth group. This simple yet powerful lesson will help young people grow in their faith and learn how to hear God’s voice in their daily lives. After using the lesson, share your thoughts, ideas, and any variations you made in the comment section. We’d love to hear how you adapted the lesson and how your group responded.
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