💔 Act of Contrition – Prayer of Repentance
The Act of Contrition is a prayer that expresses our sorrow for sin and our commitment to avoid sin in the future. This prayer is essential for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and is also used in daily prayer to express our repentance and desire for God's mercy. It helps us to examine our conscience and turn back to God with a contrite heart.
Full Text of the Prayer
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.
Alternative Version
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.
Meaning and Reflection
The Act of Contrition is more than just a prayer—it's an expression of our heart's true sorrow for sin. When we pray this prayer sincerely, we acknowledge that we have offended God, not just broken rules or hurt others, but have wounded our relationship with the One who loves us most.
The prayer has three essential elements: sorrow for sin, resolution to avoid sin, and trust in God's mercy. True contrition comes from love of God rather than fear of punishment. We are sorry not just because we might be punished, but because our sins offend the God who is "all good and deserving of all my love."
The prayer also includes a firm resolution to avoid sin in the future. This doesn't mean we will never sin again, but it shows our sincere intention to cooperate with God's grace to grow in holiness. We ask for God's help because we know we cannot overcome sin on our own.
When to Pray the Act of Contrition
- • Sacrament of Reconciliation: During Confession, before receiving absolution
- • Daily Examination of Conscience: As part of evening prayer
- • When You Fall into Sin: Immediately after committing a sin
- • Before Receiving Communion: If you cannot go to Confession
- • Times of Spiritual Struggle: When you feel distant from God
- • Preparation for Important Events: To purify your heart
Elements of True Contrition
Perfect Contrition
Sorrow that comes from love of God. We are sorry because our sins offend God, who is all good and deserving of all our love.
Imperfect Contrition
Sorrow that comes from fear of God's punishment or the ugliness of sin. While less perfect, it is still valid and can lead to forgiveness.
Firm Resolution
A sincere intention to avoid sin and the occasions that lead to sin, with trust in God's grace to help us.
Trust in God's Mercy
Confidence that God will forgive us when we are truly sorry, because He is merciful and loving.
Biblical Foundation
The Act of Contrition is rooted in several biblical passages that speak of repentance and God's mercy:
- • Psalm 51: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
- • Luke 15: The parable of the Prodigal Son shows true contrition and God's forgiveness
- • 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."
- • Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
How to Pray with Sincerity
- 1. Examine Your Conscience: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions
- 2. Acknowledge Your Sins: Be honest about what you have done wrong
- 3. Feel True Sorrow: Let your heart be moved by love for God
- 4. Make a Resolution: Decide to avoid sin and its occasions
- 5. Trust in God's Mercy: Believe that God will forgive you
- 6. Pray the Act of Contrition: Express your sorrow and resolution