What is Act of Contrition?
The Act of Contrition is a powerful Christian prayer of penance that expresses sorrow for sins. It is prayed after confessing one’s sins to a priest in confession.
After making an act of contrition, the priest will grant penitent absolution, absolving the confessor of their sins by the grace of God.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Version 2
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
Read more: Catholic Morning Prayers for a Great Day
Version 3
O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you. I know I should love you above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.
Version 4
Lord Jesus, you opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and after Peter’s denial confirmed him in your love. Listen to my prayer: forgive all my sins, renew your love in my heart, help me to live in perfect unity with my fellow Christians that I may proclaim your saving power to all the world.
Version 5
Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: “I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to who you promised
Paradise: “Lord, remember me in your kingdom.” Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: “Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light.”
Version 6
Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.
Version 7
Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.
An Act of Contrition to Jesus, the Lamb of God
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world.
Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.
Read more: Dios te Salve Maria Prayer
Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, Lord, your compassion and mercy you showed long ago. Do not recall the sins and failings of my youth. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness. Psalm 25:6-7
Psalm 51:4-5
Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin. I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always.
Luke 15:18; 18:13
Father, I have sinned against you and am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner.
Read more: El Acto de Contrición
