Before praying for yourself and others

[crystal_waters]

Let me start off by saying i went to confession 2 days ago so i dont need to go just yet!

Before we pray for ourselves, others, the souls in purgatory, a special favour etc should we first make an act of contrition? And should we do this each time before we pray?

 

[dje101]

Let me start off by saying i went to confession 2 days ago so i dont need to go just yet!

Before we pray for ourselves, others, the souls in purgatory, a special favour etc should we first make an act of contrition? And should we do this each time before we pray?

Personally, I don’t think every prayer needs to have an act of contrition said. I like the idea of saying an act of contrition at the end of the day before bed. To me, saying it at the end of the day after a reflection on my actions seems a little more genuine and heart felt than if you said it every single time you had a prayer to say.

But, if you felt compelled to say one before each prayer, then that’s fine fine since this isn’t really a matter that’s been specified by the Church (unless I missed something). I think this just boils down to preference.

 

[LilyM]

I would say the time to make an Act of Contrition is when you are conscious of having sinned in some way. Isn’t the Act essentially an apology? And don’t we normally apologise when we are conscious of having done something wrong?

I’m sure you wouldn’t apologise to your wife each and every time you wanted to speak to her - the idea sounds strange - normally you would only apologise if you were aware of having upset her.

 

[animalis]

It is the way we pray at Mass, but the Mass is bound by obedience. I see self-will in what you propose, so if it doesn’t have the condition of obedience it would not matter much to God if you are determined by your own will to proceed to pray in that fashion. It could likely be an obstacle in your way to perfection. Whenever we get particular, or try to improve, that should be always sought by the virtue of obedience. “Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God: he taketh away the first, that he may establish that which followeth.” (Heb 10:9) In these regards Saint Teresa of Avila said it is very necessary to have a spiritual director. (Life, St. Teresa of Avila, ch. 8, n. 21)

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