Said before entering the confessional.

This prayer prepares the soul to receive the Sacrament of Confession with the right dispositions: sorrow for sin, trust in God’s mercy, and openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for all my sins.
I come before You now to receive Your mercy.
Grant me the grace to make a good confession,
to be truly sorry for every sin I have committed,
and to purpose never to offend You again.
Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind and soften my heart.
Blessed Virgin Mary, help me to confess with humility and trust.
Amen.

About This Prayer

The Sacrament of Confession (also called Penance or Reconciliation) is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ, who gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins (John 20:23). Praying before Confession helps the penitent make a thorough examination of conscience and approach the sacrament with genuine contrition.