The return of the prodigal son, an image of repentance and God's mercy — The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt
Rembrandt, “The Return of the Prodigal Son” (1668) — public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Act of Contrition

Prayed in confession

The prayer

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.

About Act of Contrition

Act of Contrition is one of the traditional prayers of the Catholic Church. You can pray it on its own, as part of the Rosary or other devotions, or whenever you want to lift your heart to God. The full text is above — read it slowly, and let the words become your own.

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