These samples of an Act of Contrition, provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, are excerpted from the Church's Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92. (Click here to print or download.)

Act of Contrition (traditional)

O my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended you,
and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments,
but most of all because they offend you, my God,
who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace,
to sin no more
and to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Amen.

Act of Contrition (alternate)

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.

Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

These additional samples of the Act of Contrition are found on the Vatican News website:

An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels



Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: "I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child."

Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: "Lord, remember me in your kingdom."

Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: "Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light."

An Act of Contrition to Our Lord Jesus

Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.

An Act of Contrition to Jesus, the Lamb of God



Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world.

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life for the glory of your name.

An Act of Contrition inspired by Psalm 51

Lord God, in your goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a clean heart and renew within me an upright spirit.