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.

Explanation of the Act of Contrition

The Act of Contrition is the declaration in words of that sorrow for sin which is absolutely required for its forgiveness. This also can be found in various forms, and the one now generally taught is perhaps better than some of the older versions, as it expresses clearly the motives of contrition and is fairly simple in wording.