PRAYER FOR LIGHT 

My Lord and my God, you know the thoughts of every heart. Grant me the grace to examine sincerely and to know truly my own heart in order to discover my sins so that, by making a good confession and correcting them, I may merit your pardon and grace on earth, and eternal life in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

CONSCIENCE EXAM

 PENITENTIAL RITE 

The priest and penitent pray together:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

The priest invites the penitent to trust in God's forgiveness.
V/   May God, who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy.
R/   Amen. 

The penitent makes the confession, followed by some recommendations from the priest and the giving of the penance. The penitent prays the act of contrition; the following prayer or another similar one can be used. 

ACT OF CONTRITION 

R/   Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, my Creator and Redeemer, I love you above all things. I am sorry with all my heart for the wrong I have done and the good I have failed to do. By sinning, I have offended you, my greatest good, worthy of being loved above all else. To make up for my sins, I offer my life, my work, and all I do. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Through the merits of your passion and death, take pity on me and grant me the grace never to offend you again. Amen. 

The priest says the words of absolution: 

V/   God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
R/   Amen. 

V/   Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
R/   His mercy endures forever. 

V/   Go in peace, and proclaim to the world the wonderful works of God who has brought you salvation.