Act of Contrition

2023-11-17 by
ChurchRadar

Traditional Version
Contemporary Version
Short Form
Children's Version
Confessional Form

The Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing sorrow for one's sins and seeking God's forgiveness. There are several versions of the Act of Contrition, reflecting variations in language, tradition, and liturgy. Here are a few common versions:

Act of Contrition: Traditional Version

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.

Act of Contrition: Contemporary 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.

Act of Contrition: Short Form

O Lord, forgive me for my sins. Amen.

Act of Contrition: Children's Version

O my God, I am sorry for my sins because they displease You. I know I should love You above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.

Act of Contrition: Confessional Form

I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore, I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

It's important to note that the Act of Contrition may vary based on cultural and regional differences within the Catholic Church. Individuals may choose the version that resonates most with them or follow the version prescribed in their local liturgy.