Mercy & Contrition
Prayer After Confession
This brief prayer of thanksgiving appears in older English-language Catholic prayer books and manuals for confession. It is not attributed to a particular saint. Catholics pray it after receiving sacramental absolution, thanking God for forgiveness and resolving to avoid sin and its occasions. The prayer also asks Christ for the grace needed to remain faithful to that resolution. The Catechism teaches that the Sacrament of Penance restores the penitent to God’s grace and renews friendship with Him (CCC 1468). It may be prayed before leaving the church or after completing the assigned penance.
O my God, I thank Thee for the pardon I have received in the Sacrament of Penance. I promise Thee that I will never offend Thee again, and that I will avoid the occasions of sin. O Jesus, give me the grace to keep my promise. Amen.
When to pray it: Pray this after receiving absolution in confession, either before leaving the church or after completing the assigned penance.
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