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How can one distinguish between God’s voice speaking to us and our own thoughts? I understand that it may come during prayer, or meditation, but how do I know it is God's will, and not the Devil playing tricks on me. Are there any identifying signs to God’s will?

God speaks to you through your spirit. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Rom 8:16). In making decisions concerning the specific will of God  in your life, learn from St. Paul "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Col 3:15). This peace should act as a decision maker in your heart. As you meditate and pray over the matter, this peace of the heart will be the decisive factor. If you are agitated in your spirit, there is no peace and something (your spirit) tells you that things are not right, stop and go no further in that direction. On the other hand, if you have peace that says it is right, move on. Pray and expect the Holy Spirit to make the will of God real to you. If you get into an area of indecision, and do not recognize which way to take do not rush into a decision. Get in the Word of God and pray until you know what God wants. Many times in this area of indecision, Satan will try to push you and tell you that you have to do something now even if it is wrong. He is a liar and the truth is not in him. You do not have to do anything until peace settles the issue in your heart. The Holy Spirit will lead you through signs or by receiving guidance. If any guidance that is not in line with the Word of God comes to you, disregard it. When you take time to learn God's will in His Word, you will be able to know and recognize the voice of your spirit guided by the Holy Spirit. Do not make premeditated decisions without putting the matter in God's hand and pray for his guidance.

The Holy Spirit will lead you through your spiritual father. Samuel was like a spiritual father to Saul and God spoke to Saul through Samuel but Saul did not listen, in the same way God speaks to us through our spiritual fathers and we ought to listen to them.

With someone you have developed a close friendship, you find it easy to understand him and share with him his desires and aspirations in life. In the same way having a strong personal relationship with God, through prayers, Holy Bible study, repentance, confession, and communion makes it easy for us to know His will.