Read

Prayers for When You Need Forgiveness

Creator:
Published:
February 15, 2024
July 6, 2020
Reflect while reading these Catholic prayers for forgiveness.|Reflect while reading these Catholic prayers for forgiveness.

We can all think of times when we have fallen short of what we know is right and good — times when we are left with a sick feeling of guilt. Whether we have hurt others, turned away from God, or failed to act when we know the right thing to do, each of us knows well the stories of our shortcomings. Thankfully, a life of faith offers the remedy of forgiveness.

One option is to express sorrow for sin in private prayer. And while this is important, Catholics also have a special way of asking God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of confession. Sometimes also referred to as reconciliation, this is where we speak our sins aloud to God in the presence of the priest. This can be intimidating to do, and fear or embarrassment often keeps many from receiving the sacrament.

But a bit of preparation can give us the confidence to approach confession. One good practice is to examine our lives in prayer and note the times we have fallen short. The most serious of these are what we typically say in confession. Also, it helps to know a version of the prayer we offer after naming our sins. This is called an Act of Contrition, and it helps us express sorrow for our sins and a resolve to change.

The words of such prayers have taken many forms over the years. Here are a few options for when we discover we are in need of some kind of reconciliation with God or our neighbor.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, God,
in accord with your merciful love.

In your abundant compassion,
blot out my transgressions.

Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.

For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me.

Against you, you alone have I sinned.
I have done what is evil in your eyes.

You desire true sincerity,
and secretly you teach me wisdom.

Cleanse me that I may be pure.
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

You will let me hear gladness and joy;
the bones you have crushed will rejoice.

A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.

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, sin no more,
And avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Prayer for Forgiveness

Lord Jesus, I come before you today feeling quite low. As I consider my mistakes, the ways I have sinned against you and others, my heart breaks to see my actions in the mirror of my conscience, and I feel lost.

When I remember the love you have for us, it deepens my grief for what I have done, and I wish I could take it all back.

I know the only way is forward, however. To move in that direction, I desperately need your forgiveness. May your mercy wash me of all my sins and cleanse my heart of evil desires. Your willingness to die on the cross provides me confidence that, if I ask to be forgiven, you will give me this gift.

And once I have freedom from my sin, keep me safe from future temptations and strengthen my heart and resolve to choose what is right. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice that affords me another chance. Amen.

Creators:
Dan Allen
Published:
February 15, 2024
July 6, 2020
On a related note...
How Thea Bowman Set an Example for a Divided World

How Thea Bowman Set an Example for a Divided World

Shannon Evans

An Inside Look at the Ancient Art of Iconography

An Inside Look at the Ancient Art of Iconography

Grotto

How I Found Value in Suffering

How I Found Value in Suffering

Mary Forr

How Having “Soul Sessions” With My Friends Transformed My Faith

How Having “Soul Sessions” With My Friends Transformed My Faith

Alexandra Bendixen

A reflective narrative by Alexandra Bendixen.

The Value of Memento Mori in this Pandemic

The Value of Memento Mori in this Pandemic

Chris Hazell

Should We Believe Kanye's Conversion Is Authentic?

Should We Believe Kanye's Conversion Is Authentic?

Emily Mae Mentock

This Kid Raised $1M for Drought-Affected Farmers

This Kid Raised $1M for Drought-Affected Farmers

Grotto Shares

Feast Day: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Grotto

Voices of Synod 2018 | Aly Cox

Voices of Synod 2018 | Aly Cox

Grotto

St. John the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. John the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Free Download: A 9-Minute, 29-Second Prayer for Racial Justice

Free Download: A 9-Minute, 29-Second Prayer for Racial Justice

Grotto

The Podcast that Explores Mental Health and Faith

The Podcast that Explores Mental Health and Faith

Grace Carroll

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

Grotto

What You Need To Know About NFP

What You Need To Know About NFP

Sarah Coffey

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto

One Way to Have a More Meaningful Lent This Year

One Way to Have a More Meaningful Lent This Year

Mike Jordan Laskey

St. Polycarp Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Polycarp Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Sts. Peter and Paul Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Sts. Peter and Paul Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

This Saint Found Peace During Quarantine — So Can We

This Saint Found Peace During Quarantine — So Can We

John Tuttle

Feast of the Guardian Angels | #GrottoMusic

Feast of the Guardian Angels | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.