Preparing Your Heart: A Guide to Holy Confession
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
— Psalm 51:10
Preparation Steps
Step Out of the Noise
Confession isn't a performance or an interrogation—it’s a safe, healing space to lay down what you were never meant to carry alone.
1. Set Aside Quiet Time
Find 15–20 minutes without distractions to quietly reflect before coming to church.
2. Bring a Written List
Write down what comes to mind. Bringing notes into Confession keeps your mind clear, helps identify underlying patterns, and removes the stress of trying to remember everything in the moment.
"In the strictest sense, most of us don’t break the Ten Commandments daily—so it’s easy to feel like we live mostly sin-free. But true spiritual self-examination looks past outer behavior into our thoughts, words, and quiet motivations. While we might keep the letter of the law, we often miss the spirit of it."
Self-Examination Guide
An Examination of Heart
Click each commandment below to expand reflective questions for your prep.
- Is God truly first in my daily decisions and routine?
- Do I dedicate time to prayer every day?
- Do I love, trust, or fear anyone or anything more than Him?
- Do I trust teachers, coaches, or bosses more than I trust God?
- Do I idolize public figures, athletes, or social media personalities?
- Do I seek status, clothing, or group acceptance more than God's love?
- Do I wish bad or hurtful outcomes on other people?
- Do I swear, curse, or use profane language?
- Do I engage with horoscopes or occupy time with things that glorify evil?
- Do I consider church services at least as important as sports, clubs, and social events?
- Do I make a regular, faithful effort to attend services and prepare for Holy Communion?
- Do I harbor critical or judgmental attitudes toward the Church, clergy, or fellow Christians?
- Do I pray regularly for my parents or guardians?
- Do I provide time, kindness, and assistance to them when needed?
- Do I hold resentment, or ask for forgiveness when I fall short?
- Do I provoke others to fight or intentionally hurt people's feelings?
- Do I consume media featuring extreme violence, abuse, or hatred?
- Do I honor my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and treat all living creation with care?
- Am I keeping my sexual life within the bounds of a Church-blessed marriage?
- Do I indulge inappropriate media, internet habits, or lingering fantasies?
- Do I talk suggestively or listen to obscene stories and jokes?
- Do I take credit for work done by someone else?
- Do I waste time for which an employer is paying me?
- Do I hold back my time, talents, or financial offerings from God?
- Do I spread or listen to gossip, or judge others based on assumptions?
- Do I make excuses to avoid helping others, or hold grudges?
- Do I lie or stretch the truth to provoke or mislead someone?
- Do I envy other people’s lifestyles, opportunities, or possessions?
- Do I feel bitter when others receive praise, respect, or approval?
- Am I truly grateful for what God has given me, and generous with my time and resources?
Take It With You
Download a printable copy of this guide to bring with you to St. Sebastian's.
Sacramental Life & Schedule
Confession Times & Priestly Care
Holy Confession is available regularly on Saturday after Vespers or by contacting Fr. Norman for an appointment.
Fr. Norman is always glad to meet during the week for spiritual counsel, prayer, or Confession.
Need Guidance?
If you have questions about Confession, are unsure how to prepare, or would simply like to speak with Fr Norman, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Phone: 775-546-5054
Email: frnormanccnv@gmail.com
St. Sebastian Serbian Orthodox Church
1819 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701
Copyright © 2026 St. Sebastian Serbian Orthodox Church - All Rights Reserved.
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