The Act of Contrition is one of the most beloved Catholic prayers of sorrow for sin and firm resolution to amend one’s life. Traditionally prayed during Confession and at the end of each day, it expresses perfect or imperfect contrition and opens the soul to God’s infinite mercy. Rooted in the Church’s teaching on repentance (Catechism, 1451–1453), it is ideal for those seeking Catholic prayers for forgiveness or daily prayer Christian. By sincerely praying this act, we receive grace even outside the confessional.
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 occasions of sin.
Amen.
O my God,
I am very sorry for all my sins
because they displease You,
Who are so good.
With Your help I will not sin again.
Amen.
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.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
grant me the gift of true contrition.
Let me see my sins as You see them,
and fill my heart with sorrow for having offended You.
Strengthen my will to change my life
and never to sin again.
Wash me in Your Precious Blood
and make me whiter than snow.
Amen.
O most loving Jesus,
I thank You for the grace of this Confession.
I thank You for forgiving my sins
and giving me a new beginning.
Help me to live in Your friendship,
to persevere in Your love,
and one day to see You face to face in heaven.
Amen.
In conclusion, the Act of Contrition is a powerful instrument of God’s mercy that restores the soul to grace. Whether prayed in the confessional, at night, or anytime we recognise our faults, it opens the floodgates of divine forgiveness. For more prayers of repentance and reconciliation, visit our collection of traditional Catholic prayers.
If you’re praying for healing, strength, or support for yourself or a loved one, take the next step in faith.
Light a candle on our website as a symbol of your prayer and trust in God’s mercy.
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Our prayers are partly based on the materials of this resource.
