Confession Prayer

[lo_amo87]

Hi all. I have not been to confession for…a long time. It’s rather embarrassing how long it’s been. And I’m considering going this saturday before work but I don’t quite remember how it all goes. I know it starts with forgive me father for I have sinned, etc etc, but I cannot recall the prayer that I’m supposed to say once the priest has absolved me (I think it’s starts something like…“Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for offending thee…”). I know there are different versions of it, and that I can even make up my own, but do any of you have your own favorite prayer that you’d like to share??

Thanks!

 

[garn9173]

The prayer is Act of Contrition, I ought to know as I said it last night and Father had a copy of it in the confessional.

As a Catholic revert, i’ve been to confession twice since i’ve returned to the Church and have done it both times face to face with Father. I gotta tell you, that made it much easier for someone like myself who hadn’t been to confession probably since my first confession when I was kid. It seemed more like an informal conversation than an actuall confession. Father wanted to know what my plans were for Christmas and if I was going to get to see my son as well.

 

[Jenniferolg]

I wouldn’t worry about getting it right or not. In my experience, the priest always gives cues to walk me through it. I just start with an audible sign of the cross. Be sure to say at the end of your list of sins “for these and all my sins I am sorry” so the priest knows you are done. Father told us one time at Mass that when he raises his hand for absolution he does NOT want a high-five. I guess some of the kids were giving him one at that point

It is wonderful that you are going! Jesus will be so happy to meet you there.

Blessings,
Jennifer

 

[willofgods]

As for confession prayers, often they have them in the booth themselves. I would not hesitate to tell whoever confesses you that you’re really rusty and might need some guidance particularly with the prayers.

…]Father told us one time at Mass that when he raises his hand for absolution he does NOT want a high-five. I guess some of the kids were giving him one at that point …]

I laughed out loud at this. Hahaha! I definitely have to tell my priest!

 

[lo_amo87]

The prayer is Act of Contrition, I ought to know as I said it last night and Father had a copy of it in the confessional.

As a Catholic revert, i’ve been to confession twice since i’ve returned to the Church and have done it both times face to face with Father. I gotta tell you, that made it much easier for someone like myself who hadn’t been to confession probably since my first confession when I was kid. It seemed more like an informal conversation than an actuall confession. Father wanted to know what my plans were for Christmas and if I was going to get to see my son as well.

Yes I’ve always done face-to-face. I dunno I always felt like I was going to miss out on something if I hid behind the screen!! Well, my anxiety doesn’t help considering last time I went to confession I cried my eyes out and the poor priest I’m not sure he knew how to console me. I wasn’t even confessing anything mortally sinful, I think I was just embarrassed and nervous and oh Lord I just couldn’t stop crying. Hopefully this time will be different!!!

I wouldn’t worry about getting it right or not. In my experience, the priest always gives cues to walk me through it. I just start with an audible sign of the cross. Be sure to say at the end of your list of sins “for these and all my sins I am sorry” so the priest knows you are done. Father told us one time at Mass that when he raises his hand for absolution he does NOT want a high-five. I guess some of the kids were giving him one at that point

It is wonderful that you are going! Jesus will be so happy to meet you there.

Blessings,
Jennifer

that is amazing. A little sad too but funny nontheless Thank you for the encouragement I’m nervous but feel this is the right thing to do.

As for confession prayers, often they have them in the booth themselves. I would not hesitate to tell whoever confesses you that you’re really rusty and might need some guidance particularly with the prayers.

Thank you! Hopefully he’ll take pity on me. I always feel like I’m going to get a disciplinary look from a priest when I tell him how long it’s been since I’ve confessed

Thank you for all your replies!!! I feel a bit better. Although my heart skipped a little because I just looked at my church bulletin and confession is tomorrow morning instead of saturday. I’ve only been mentally preparing for a couple days!!! Oh my oh my. I feel like I’m 10 years old again going to my first confession!!!

 

[lo_amo87]

Well, I did it!!! Waited in a long line for the priest I wanted but it was worth it. I was a shaking mess but by the end it was as comforting as I remember it being. In remembering the past times I’ve done confession, it always seemed like a I had a script in my mind of what I wanted to say so I wouldn’t forget anything. But every time, the confession kind of just led itself and never quite turns out the way I’d rehearsed in my head lol. Today was no different. I would have liked there to be a lot more discussion instead of me blubbering but I got out the biggest things on my mind which is what matters most. Daily mass was immediately afterwards which was great. I haven’t been partaking in Communion because of my sins and it was so wonderful to receive Christ again.

And thankfully, Father had a little stack of pamphlets with the act of contrition in there so that was helpful.

Thank you again for your responses!! They really helped!!!

 

[kayla]

My favorite Act of Contrition prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me a poor sinner.
easy to remember and stright to the point :yup:

 

[DanPF]

Go and don’t worry about the prayers. In my experience, the priest will help you. Also, they will be pleased that you are returning after a long time.

I am sure they won’t be angry, or harsh.