A prayer of sorrow for sin, prayed in the Sacrament of Penance and in personal examination of conscience.
Tagged: Confession of Sin Prayer Catholic
The 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 occasions of sin. Amen.
Historical Context
Acts of contrition — formal prayers expressing sorrow for sin and a resolve to amend — took set forms after the Council of Trent (1545–1563) standardized the practice of the Sacrament of Penance. Several approved forms exist in English; the version given here is the traditional form long taught in the United States. Catholic theology distinguishes contrition from sorrow motivated by fear of punishment alone, which it calls attrition.
Use and Practice
The prayer is said by the penitent during confession, and many Catholics also pray it at night as part of an examination of conscience, before receiving Communion, and in danger of death.
References
- USCCB Prayers and Devotions Free / open access
- EWTN Devotions Free / open access
Related Prayers and Creeds
- The Lord's Prayer (Our Father) — The prayer Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, shared by Christians of every tradition.
- Anima Christi — A medieval prayer asking Christ's body, blood, and passion to sanctify, save, and protect the one who prays.
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