Act of Contrition
The Act of Contrition is a heartfelt prayer of repentance expressing sorrow for sins and a firm resolve to amend one's life. Essential to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this prayer opens the soul to God's mercy and helps restore one's relationship with the Lord.
✝Prayer Text
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.
⏰When to Pray
Prayed during the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), before bedtime as part of an examination of conscience, and whenever you feel moved to express sorrow for your sins and seek God's forgiveness.
📖How to Pray
Pray the Act of Contrition sincerely from the heart, not merely reciting words. Reflect on specific sins, feel genuine sorrow, and make a firm purpose of amendment. During Confession, the priest will ask you to pray it after giving your penance.
📜Related Scripture
Psalm 51:3-4
“Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.”
Luke 15:18-19
“I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you."”
1 John 1:9
“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.”
📚History & Background
Acts of contrition have been part of Christian practice since the early Church. The traditional form used today developed during the Counter-Reformation era (16th century) and was promoted through catechisms. Multiple approved versions exist, all expressing the same essential sentiments.
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