O Lord,
The house of my soul is narrow;
enlarge it that you may enter in.
It is ruinous, O repair it!
It displeases Your sight.
I confess it, I know.
But who shall cleanse it,
to whom shall I cry but to you?
Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord,
and spare Your servant from strange sins.
St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)
The background story of Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine
The Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine is a Catholic prayer that dates back to the early Christian church, and is traditionally associated with the season of Lent. St. Augustine, a prominent bishop and theologian in the fourth century, is known for his profound insights into the human experience of sin and grace.
The Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine is a powerful expression of repentance and humility, and is intended to inspire a deepening of one’s spiritual journey. The prayer acknowledges the many ways in which we fall short of God’s loving plan for our lives, and seeks to elicit a sense of both sorrow and renewed hope.
One of the most striking aspects of the prayer is its poetic language, which evokes images of sin, suffering, and transformation. The prayer acknowledges the pervasive influence of sin in our lives, but also affirms the abiding mercy and love of God.
Over the centuries, the Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine has been adapted and translated into many different languages and liturgical contexts. Despite these changes, its essential message has remained the same: to express sorrow for sin, and to seek God’s forgiveness and healing grace.
Today, the Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine remains an important part of the Catholic spiritual tradition, particularly during the season of Lent. It is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s love and mercy, and of the ongoing need for spiritual renewal.
Overall, the Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine is a profound and beautiful expression of Catholic faith, one that invites believers to humbly acknowledge their failings and trust in God’s abounding grace. It is a prayer that has inspired countless generations of believers, and continues to be a vital part of the Catholic spiritual journey.