Forgive me my sins, O Lord,
forgive me my sins;
the sins of my youth,
the sins of my age,
the sins of my soul,
the sins of my body;
my idle sins,
my serious voluntary sins;
the sins I know,
the sins I do not know;
the sins I have concealed for so long,
and which are now hidden from my memory.
I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial,
for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour.
I know my sins have wounded Thy Tender Heart,
O My Savior, let me be freed from the bonds of evil through
the most bitter Passion of My Redeemer. Amen.
O My Jesus, forget and forgive what I have been. Amen.
More information about Act of Contrition # 7
The Act of Contrition #7 is a Catholic prayer that is traditionally used 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 genuine sorrow for sin, recognizing the harm that it has caused to oneself and to others. It asks for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and expresses a desire to do better in the future.
The Act of Contrition #7 has undergone various translations and adaptations over time, reflecting 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 confront the reality of our sinfulness, recognizing the harm that it causes and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. It emphasizes the transformative power of grace, offering hope and reassurance in the face of our failures and shortcomings.
Through the centuries, the Act of Contrition has served as a reminder of God’s enduring love and mercy, offering comfort and strength to countless believers seeking healing and renewal. Its enduring popularity testifies to the power of prayer to shape and transform human lives, offering us a path towards greater humility, compassion, and spiritual growth.