Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in the Douay numbering), known by its Latin first word Miserere, is the great psalm of repentance. Tradition connects it to King David after the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sin. It has shaped Christian sorrow for sin for three thousand years and is prayed every Friday morning in the Liturgy of the Hours and throughout Lent. Pray it before Confession, during an examination of conscience, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, or any time you want to re

On Ash Wednesday we remember that we are dust and turn to penance. Pray for a holy Lent. The Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Traditional Ash Wednesday col

The Confiteor, Latin for "I confess," is the Church's great prayer of general confession. The form given here is the traditional one, which names Mary, St. Michael, St. John the Baptist, and Sts. Peter and Paul. For centuries it was prayed at the foot of the altar at the beginning of Mass and before Holy Communion, and it is still part of Compline, the Church's Night Prayer. Striking the breast at the words "through my fault" is an ancient sign of sorrow. Pray it during your

After receiving absolution, this traditional thanksgiving asks for perseverance in amendment. The Prayer O almighty and most merciful God, I give Thee hearty thanks for having admitted me to the Sacrament of Penance, and for having cleansed my soul from sin through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Strengthen me by Thy grace, that I may never again offend Thee, and that I may carefully avoid the occasions of sin. Help me to perform my penance faithfully, and to begin a new

Prepare for the Sacrament of Penance with this traditional prayer for light and true sorrow. The Prayer O Almighty and most merciful God, Who hast made me out of nothing, and redeemed me by the Precious Blood of Thine only Son; Who hast with so much patience borne with me to this day, notwithstanding all my sins and ingratitude; look down upon me with pity and compassion, and grant me now earnestly to confess my sins with such sorrow as may obtain Thy forgiveness. Give me lig

Before night prayer, this short traditional form helps examine the day with sorrow and hope. The Prayer O my God, I thank Thee for all the benefits which I have received from Thee, especially this day. Give me light to see what sins I have committed, and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them. (Examine your conscience briefly.) O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to amend my life. Amen. Traditional evening e

This second traditional form of the Act of Contrition is found in many older prayer books and is suitable for Confession and daily examination. The Prayer O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen. Traditi

An Act of Contrition turns the heart back to God after sin. It is used in Confession and anytime we need sincere sorrow and a firm purpose of amendment. Pray it honestly: love of God, hatred of sin, and trust in grace to begin again. The Prayer O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love