Said before Confession and whenever seeking God’s forgiveness.

The Act of Contrition is a prayer of sorrow for sin, expressing repentance and firm purpose of amendment. It is an essential part of the Sacrament of Confession and is also recommended for daily prayer as a sign of ongoing conversion of heart.

The Prayer

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.

About This Prayer

The Church distinguishes between perfect contrition (sorrow motivated by love of God) and imperfect contrition (sorrow motivated by fear of punishment). Both are sufficient for valid absolution in Confession. Perfect contrition, accompanied by the intention to confess, can obtain forgiveness even before sacramental absolution.