An Act of Contrition is a prayer in which we express our gratitude to God for His love shared with us unconditionally especially in the ministry and fidelity of His son Jesus. One may, in his or her own words, express this love during the time of contrition (remorse). Furthermore, one ought to be sorrowful over the sins committed and acknowledge his or her willingness to seek God’s love and guidance more closely and resist the moments of temptation to the best of one’s ability.
Possible prayers of contrition:
ACT OF CONTRITION
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help,
to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
or
ACT OF CONTRITION
Oh my God,
I am sorry that I have sinned.
Please forgive me.
I know you love me.
I want to love you
and to be good to everyone.
Help me to make up for my sins.
I will try to do better from now on. Amen.