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Act of Contrition: Prayer for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Read the traditional Act of Contrition and learn what contrition means, when to pray it, and how it relates to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Part of the Daily prayers prayer collection.
In brief
The Act of Contrition is a Catholic prayer of sorrow for sin and a firm desire, with God's grace, to turn away from sin. It is commonly prayed during Confession, as part of an examination of conscience, and at night. The prayer itself is important, but it does not remove the need for sacramental Confession when Church teaching requires Confession.
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- Suggested schema: Article with CreativeWork prayer details, BreadcrumbList, and FAQPage only for the visible questions below.
The Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You,
and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments,
but most of all because they offend You, my God,
who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace,
to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.
This is a traditional form of the prayer. English wording varies between approved prayer books and local communities, including the older Thee and Thy form. Use the form provided by your parish or confessor when one is given.
Source and tradition: traditional Catholic devotional prayer, commonly used in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The wording above is presented for prayer, not as a claim that this website approves a new liturgical translation.
What contrition means
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes contrition as sorrow for sin together with a resolution not to sin again. Contrition is not measured only by strong emotion. It includes an honest turning of the will toward God and a serious desire to repair what can be repaired.
Perfect contrition
Perfect contrition comes from love of God above all else. According to the Catechism, it can obtain forgiveness for grave sin when it includes the firm intention to receive sacramental Confession as soon as possible. This is not permission to postpone Confession indefinitely. If you are unsure how the teaching applies to your situation, speak with a priest.
Imperfect contrition
Imperfect contrition, also called attrition, can arise from fear of punishment or recognition of the ugliness of sin. It is a genuine beginning of repentance and disposes a person to receive forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. The priest can help you understand and act on this distinction.
When to pray the Act of Contrition
- During Confession, when the priest asks you to make an act of sorrow.
- During an examination of conscience, when you recognize sin and want to return to God.
- At night, as part of a quiet review of the day. See Bedtime Prayers.
- When sacramental Confession is not immediately available and you are making a sincere act of perfect contrition, while resolving to confess as soon as possible. Questions about receiving Communion or a serious sin should be taken to a priest; do not use this page as a substitute for pastoral guidance.
A simple way to pray it
- Become quiet and acknowledge God's presence.
- Name the sin or failure honestly without excusing it or becoming trapped in shame.
- Pray the Act of Contrition slowly.
- Make a practical resolution to avoid the near occasion of sin and repair harm where possible.
- Arrange Confession when it is required or when you need the Church's sacramental care.
Related prayers and guides
Sources & Tradition
Frequently asked questions
Does the Act of Contrition replace Confession?
No. The prayer expresses repentance, but it is not a general replacement for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Perfect contrition has specific conditions and includes the intention to confess as soon as possible. For a grave sin, or when you are unsure, contact a priest and follow the direction of the Church.
Can I pray it in my own words?
Yes. The traditional form gives you a reliable structure, but sincere sorrow and a real resolution can also be expressed in your own words. During Confession, use the form your priest or parish provides.
May I pray it before bed?
Yes. It can be part of a bedtime examination of conscience. Keep this use distinct from the sacramental setting: a private night prayer is not the same as receiving absolution in Confession.
What if I do not feel emotional sorrow?
Contrition is not identical to a strong emotional reaction. Pray honestly, reject the sin, ask for grace, and make a concrete resolution. If persistent doubt or scrupulosity is troubling you, seek help from a trusted priest rather than repeatedly testing your feelings.