Prayers for Catholic Confession
Essential Catholic prayers for confession — including the Act of Contrition in traditional, modern, and short forms, prayers to say before and after confession, and a simple version for children.
Act of Contrition
Traditional Version
Most UsedO 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 occasions of sin. Amen.
Source: Order of Penance, no. 45. The most widely used version in the United States.
Modern 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.
Contemporary version approved for liturgical use. Often taught in schools and RCIA programs.
Short Version — For When You Are Running Out of Time
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Source: Order of Penance, no. 92. Approved for use in the Rite of Penance.
Perfect Contrition vs. Imperfect Contrition
Perfect Contrition
Sorrow for sins arising from love of God above all else. You regret offending God because He is all-good and deserving of your love. With perfect contrition, you can receive forgiveness even before reaching confession — though you must still confess your sins.
Imperfect Contrition
Sorrow arising from fear of punishment or recognition that sin has harmed your relationship with God. This is sufficient to receive absolution in confession when accompanied by a sincere desire to amend your life.
When to Say Each Prayer
- 1Before your examination of conscience: Prayer Before Examination of Conscience
- 2While waiting in the pew: Prayer Before Confession
- 3During confession, after confessing your sins: Act of Contrition (said aloud to the priest)
- 4After completing your penance: Prayer After Confession
Traditional vs. Modern Act of Contrition
Both versions are valid and accepted by the Catholic Church. The choice between them is largely personal preference or parish tradition.
Traditional Version
- •Uses formal "Thee / Thy" language
- •More widely memorized in older generations
- •Common in the United States and Ireland
- •Emphasizes love of God as the primary motive for sorrow
Modern Version
- •Uses contemporary "you" language
- •Often taught in schools and RCIA today
- •Emphasizes God's mercy through Christ's suffering and death
- •Approved for liturgical use after Vatican II
Next Steps
Need to unburden your heart?
If you are not ready for formal confession, or simply need to speak your truth to someone who will listen without judgment, our anonymous confession space is here for you.
Confess Anonymously →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Act of Contrition?
The Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing sorrow for sins, made during the Sacrament of Penance. The penitent says it aloud after confessing their sins and receiving absolution instructions from the priest. It expresses genuine remorse and the firm intention to avoid sin.
What is the difference between Perfect and Imperfect Contrition?
Perfect Contrition is sorrow for sins arising from love of God above all else — you regret offending God because He is all-good and deserving of love. Imperfect Contrition (also called attrition) is sorrow arising from fear of punishment or from recognition that sin has harmed your relationship with God. Both are valid for receiving absolution in confession.
Do I have to say the Act of Contrition perfectly from memory?
No. While it is helpful to know the prayer by heart, you may read it from a card or your phone. What matters is the sincerity of your sorrow, not the perfect recitation of words. Many confessionals provide prayer cards for this purpose.
What prayer should I say before going to confession?
A prayer before confession should ask the Holy Spirit for clarity to see your sins, the courage to confess honestly, and true contrition. The prayer provided above is a widely used option, but any sincere prayer asking God's help to confess well is appropriate.
Is there a prayer to say after confession?
Yes. After completing your assigned penance, it is traditional to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God's mercy and to ask for strength to avoid future sin. The prayer above or a simple heartfelt thanksgiving is fitting.