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May, 2026 $5.00 / $500.00

Mercy

Act of Contrition

A prayer of repentance and firm resolve to turn back to God.

Prayer Text

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, 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 confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

How To Pray This

Catholics often pray the Act of Contrition in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and at night before sleep.

  1. Pray honestly and slowly, especially when examining your conscience.
  2. Make a sincere act of sorrow and a real intention to confess and amend your life.

Prayer FAQs

When is the Act of Contrition usually prayed?
It is especially common in confession and during a nightly examination of conscience.
Do I need to use this exact wording?
No. The Church allows different approved forms as long as true sorrow and a resolve to turn from sin are present.