The Act of Contrition is a Christian prayer that expresses remorse for sins and asks for forgiveness. It is typically said during the sacrament of Confession or Penance. The traditional form of the Act of Contrition is as follows:
“O 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 confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.”
However, there is also a more modern version which is:
“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.”
Both versions of the Act of Contrition can be used as a personal prayer of repentance at any time, not only during the sacrament of Confession or Penance.
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