Prayer Before Confession

“In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You.” — St. Augustine of Hippo

Public Domain: The Intercession of Christ and the Virgin by Lorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni) via THE MET.

The Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind that I may clearly know my sins. Move my heart that I may be sincerely sorry for them, honestly confess them, and firmly resolve to amend my life. Amen.

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About This Prayer

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit before Confession is a short but powerful prayer used by Catholics to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this devotion, the faithful ask the Holy Spirit for the grace of true self-knowledge, sorrow for sins, and the strength to make a good confession. It reflects the Church’s teaching that only with God’s grace can we recognize our faults clearly and sincerely repent. This prayer is especially helpful before an examination of conscience, creating a spirit of humility and trust in God’s mercy.

When To Pray

This prayer is traditionally prayed before going to confession, especially before beginning an examination of conscience. It may also be prayed at home, in the pew before entering the confessional, or anytime a Catholic is preparing to seek the Lord’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.