Act of Sorrow

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments.

My Lord and my Savior, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, and I ask for Your forgiveness and mercy.

I am truly sorry for all the times I have failed to love You and love my neighbor as myself. Please grant me the grace to turn away from sin and to follow You always.

I ask for Your forgiveness for all the times I have hurt or neglected others, and for my negligence in fulfilling my responsibilities. Please heal the wounds I have caused and give me the strength to make amends.

I pray that You will remove any obstacles that stand in the way of my relationship with You, and that You will give me the courage to live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to turn away from all sin and to walk in Your light always.

I offer this Act of Sorrow to You, my Lord and my God, with a heart full of contrition and humility. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me whole, so that I may live a life that glorifies You. Amen.

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Additional details regarding Act of Sorrow

The Act of Sorrow is a Catholic prayer that expresses sorrow for sins committed. Its origin is a mystery; however, it is thought to have developed in the Middle Ages as a way for Catholics to ask forgiveness for their sins.

The prayer has existed for centuries, and the exact wording has varied over time. The current version of the prayer was established by the Council of Trent in the 16th century.

The Act of Sorrow is typically recited during the Sacrament of Penance, more commonly known as confession, and also after receiving absolution. Its purpose is to express remorse for sins committed and to reaffirm one’s commitment to live in accordance with God’s will.

For Catholics, the Act of Sorrow serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for sin and the need for redemption. It allows them to express contrition and seek forgiveness from God.

Despite changes in the language and the mass, the Act of Sorrow remains a central part of Catholic tradition, and many Catholics recite it as part of their daily prayers. The prayer’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect us with the divine and acknowledge our human frailty.