 Here's a major key to clearly hearing the voice of the precious Holy Spirit. Obedience. Yes, we should know the Word. The more familiar you become with the written Word, the more clearly you can hear the Holy Spirit speak directly to your Spirit. Yes, we should pray. Time in His presence makes you more sensitive to His voice. Yes, we should remove outer and inner distractions. Silence and stillness make His voice nearly impossible to miss. But add to these the important key that is obedience. When we live in disobedience, our minds and emotions become cluttered with guilt, shame, and fear, and those make it very difficult to hear God. Why would God give us the next instruction if we fail to follow His first and most basic instruction? The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. When we acknowledge Him, then He directs our path. You want to start hearing God clearly? Obey what you know He's already spoken.