An Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee [you]. [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 [you], my God, who art [is] all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy [your] grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

There are several forms and different wordings of the Act of Contrition. This is one. You are free to choose whichever one you feel you can say with the most sincerity and contrition (sorrow for our sins), although it should have similar elements.

The Act of Contrition can be said anytime, but it is especially needed near the end of the Sacrament of Confession. Sincerely saying this prayer is one way we can express sorrow for our sins to God.

ON THIS PAGE, are some alternate forms of the Act of Contrition.

When you say this prayer, concentrate on the words. Say it from your heart. Sincere contrition for our sins is very important. 

Memorize this important prayer.
©L. S. Scarpitta