Act of Contrition # 6

By St. Gertrude
O my most loving Father! in the bitterness of the dolorous Passion of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, I now pour forth my complaint, indignantly accusing myself that I have served Thee so unfaithfully during this day and have offended Thee, my most amiable and loving Father, by so many and so great negligences. I grieve for them from my inmost heart, and strike my breast in the spirit of compunction, and say unto Thee, O God! be merciful to me a sinner. And for all the negligences whereby I have extinguished Thy good and gentle Spirit within me, I offer Thee the sufferings and the tears of Thy beloved Son. I beseech Thee, in union with His most availing prayers, to grant me pardon of my sins, and to supply all my defects. Deign to hear this, my prayer, through that love which held back Thine arm from taking vengeance, when Thine only and most beloved Son, the object of Thine eternal and unspeakable complacency, was numbered with transgressors.
Amen.

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The legacy of Act of Contrition # 6

The Act of Contrition #6 is a Catholic prayer that is traditionally recited during the Sacrament of Confession. Its origins are not well documented, but it is believed to have emerged in the 19th century.

The prayer expresses sincere sorrow for sins, asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It emphasizes the penitent’s resolve to turn away from sin and to live a life in accordance with God’s will, relying on his grace and guidance.

The Act of Contrition #6 has been translated and adapted over time to reflect the needs and concerns of different communities. Nevertheless, its essential message of repentance and trust in God’s mercy remains a powerful source of spiritual guidance and renewal for Catholics around the world.

This prayer calls us to embrace the reality of our sinfulness, recognizing that we are always in need of God’s grace and help. It encourages us to turn away from selfishness and pride, and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and with one another.

Through the centuries, the Act of Contrition has served as a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love and mercy, offering comfort and hope to countless believers seeking redemption and renewal. Its abiding popularity testifies to the enduring power of prayer to shape and transform human lives, offering us a path towards healing, wholeness, and spiritual renewal.