Act of Contrition

About This Prayer

The Act of Contrition is one of the most well-known Catholic prayers and is often considered the essential prayer for repentance. It expresses heartfelt sorrow for sin, both out of love for God and recognition of the harm caused by sin. Traditionally prayed during the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, it is also recited in personal prayer as a way of turning back to God. This prayer helps Catholics renew their resolve to avoid sin, embrace God’s mercy, and live in closer union with Him.

The Prayer

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

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Is there someone you need to forgive, or something you need to release to God’s mercy?

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When To Pray

The Act of Contrition is traditionally prayed during the Sacrament of Confession, right after a person has confessed their sins to the priest. It is also a meaningful part of a nightly examination of conscience, where individuals reflect on the day’s actions and seek God’s forgiveness before sleep. Many Catholics pray it before receiving Holy Communion, especially when they feel the need for spiritual preparation and inner cleansing. It can also be prayed privately at any time when a person feels remorse for sin and wishes to express sorrow to God.