As part of your prayer for forgiveness, saying a prayer of confession is something that can be incredibly meaningful in your life. This type of prayer request typically includes acknowledging one’s sins or wrongdoings, asking for forgiveness, and committing to doing better in the future. It can be a personal or a communal prayer. Here is an example of a simple prayer of confession:
“Dear God, I confess that I have sinned. I have done things that I know are not pleasing to you and I am truly sorry. Please forgive me for my actions and help me to do better in the future. I commit to following your teachings and living a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
You will receive photos of your printed prayer request placed on the Stone of Anointing; the place where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial after his crucifixion.
Steps to Say a Prayer for Confession
If you have never made a prayer for confession before, saying a prayer for strength to find the right words for this type of prayer is something that can be helpful. However, some steps that you can take as part of this process include:
- Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus on your prayer.
- Take a moment to still your mind and focus on the present.
- Acknowledge your sins or wrongdoings and express remorse for them. Be specific and honest with yourself and with God.
- Ask for forgiveness from God and from anyone you may have hurt.
- Make a commitment to change your behavior and to do better in the future.
- Close your prayer by expressing gratitude for God’s forgiveness and asking for guidance and strength to follow through on your commitment to change.
- You can end the prayer by saying Amen or any other word that you use to end your prayer.
Saying a Prayer for Confession
When you’re ready to say a prayer for confession, it’s important that you find words that are meaningful to you and will help you in your journey toward peace. Here is an example of a prayer for confession:
“Heavenly Father, I come to you in humility and with a heavy heart. I confess that I have sinned against you and have fallen short of your glory. I have (mention specific sins or wrongdoings) and I am truly sorry. I ask for your forgiveness and grace.
I realize that without you, I am nothing and can do nothing. I pray that you would give me the strength and the courage to turn away from my sins and to turn towards you. I commit to living a life that is pleasing to you and to following your commandments.
I also ask for forgiveness from anyone I may have hurt through my actions or words. Please heal any relationships that may have been damaged by my sins.
Thank you, Lord, for your love and your mercy. I trust in your promise of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
What is Catholic Confession
Catholic Confession, also known as the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation, is a sacrament in the Catholic Church in which a person confesses their sins to a priest and receives absolution (forgiveness) for those sins. The sacrament is based on the Bible, particularly the writings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, who both called on people to repent of their sins and be baptized.
In the Catholic Church, confession is seen as a way for Catholics to receive God’s forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. Catholics believe that by confessing their sins to a priest, they are confessing to Jesus Christ himself, who, through the priest, offers them absolution.
The process of confession which can help you during your Catholic prayer request typically involves the following steps:
- The penitent (person confessing their sins) begins by making the sign of the cross and reciting the Act of Contrition.
- The penitent then confesses their sins to the priest, who listens and offers guidance, advice, and absolution.
- The penitent then performs the penance assigned by the priest which is the actions the penitent will take to make amends for their sins and to strengthen their resolve to avoid committing those sins in the future.
- The priest then absolves the penitent of their sins, using the words of absolution found in the Rite of Penance
Prayer of Confession Against Loved Ones
When you have hurt a person that you love, it’s important that you take the time to say a prayer for peace as well as a prayer of confession against a loved one. If you feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to putting a prayer like this together, here is an example of a prayer for confession against loved ones:
“Dear God,
I come before you with a heavy heart, confessing the ways in which I have hurt my loved ones. I have (mention specific sins or wrongdoings) and I realize now the pain and hurt that my actions have caused. I am deeply sorry for the harm that I have caused, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I ask for your grace and strength to turn away from these sins and to be a better person for my loved ones. I commit to treating them with the love and respect that they deserve, and to being a source of joy and support in their lives.
I also ask for the forgiveness of my loved ones, and for the healing of any relationships that may have been damaged by my actions. Please grant them the grace to forgive me, and to continue to love and support me.
Thank you, Lord, for your love and your mercy. I trust in your promise of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
It’s important to note that confessing against loved ones is not only about asking for forgiveness but also to be aware of our actions and trying to change them, so that we can become a better version of ourselves.