All prayers
Sorrow and Mercy

Act of Contrition

Also known as O my God, I am heartily sorry, Prayer of sorrow

The prayer of sorrow for sin, said at the end of Confession and traditionally each night before sleep. Both the long and short forms are given.

Traditional English

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 sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.

Shorter form

Sufficient, and easier to have by heart when it is actually needed.

O 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 thee, whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with thy help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Amen.

Source

Traditional English form, as printed in the Baltimore Catechism and common prayer manuals

This text is in the public domain. About these texts

Prayed alongside this