What are good ways to examine your conscience before getting the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Answer 1

Try working the Fourth step of AA...Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Start out by writing it all down...all your harms...the ones done to you, your part and the ones you have done....write down all your fears, your sexual history...put everything on paper...everything...even the stuff you are afraid to tell people...everything...the more honest you are the more your conscious will be rewarded...when you finish, go tell the priest. You don't have to be alcoholic to work the step...it's from the catholic sacrament anyway...I swear it works

Answer 2

Apply the Big 10.

1) I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make yourself an idol.

Have you worshipped anyone or anything other than God? Is money more important? Your home? Your car?

2) You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God.

How many times have you casually said "oh God" when it didn't pertain to prayer. Or anything like that.

3) Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Have you done unnecessary work on Sunday? Did you skip out on church without a good reason?

4) Honor your parents.
Parents include all those in charge of you.

Were you rude to your boss? Did you promise your mom you'd mow the lawn then didn't do it?

5) You shall not murder

I'll leave that one up to you.

6) You shall not commit adultery.

This one does not only apply if you're married. This one also applies to single people who are messing around.

7) You shall not steal.

Realize that this also means coming into work late and leaving early without docking your own time. Generally goofing off at work.

8) You shall not bear false witness

Have you lied? How much?

9) You shall not covet your neighbour's wife

...or husband... or best friend's boy/girl-friend.

10) You shall not covet your neighbour's house

or car, or cool jeans, or hair do.

Answer 3

1. Go through the Ten Commandments. Have you broken any of them since your last visit?

2. Go through the Rules of the Church, Mass attendance, fasting and abstinence, etc. Did you neglect your duties as a Catholic?

3. Go through the major laws of your locale. Did you knowingly break any of those laws?

4. Did you have a chance to do good and not do it? Did you give in to a temptation and do something you knew was wrong?

5. If necessary, make a list. Take it with you. Pray over it and ask for forgiveness and the gift of true repentance. THEN go to the Sacrament.

Answer 4

Go to a quiet place, where you can reflect on your past deeds, starting from when you had your last absolution. Think about your relationship with the people around you, how you feel about the things happening in your life, and what is bothering you most lately. Reflect on your obligations - to the Church, to your family and to the society. Talk to a close family member or friend if you think you need an objective opinion. God bless you for fulfilling the sacrament of penance.

Answer 5

"Never walk too deeply into the forest of your mind alone"....There is only one way to examine your concience: Do you feel guilty or ashamed and if so, over what?
as for wether or not you OUGHT feel guilty, that depends on your own morals but keep this in mind: there are times in life when, in order to prevent an Act of Piracy, you must yourself become a pirate. The Law that protects us also, sadly, protects criminals. You have to Morally and Ethically learn whrere to draw YOUR line in the sand. Better be prepared to see some toes on it once you make it, though...anything you profess to Believe in so strongly WILL be tested to it's ultimate breaking point sooner or later. If you cannot live up to your own expectations, then you need to either stop playing the game or lower your standards.

Answer 6

Say a prayer to the Holy Ghost, ask Him to help you remember, prayer of humility...http://www.willingshepherds.net/Examination.html