Introduction:
The Act of Contrition is a heartfelt prayer expressing sorrow for sin and a desire to turn back to God. It is often recited after confession or during personal prayer.
Prayer:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell;
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 confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life. Amen.