When our first parents, due to pride, disobeyed God, their closeness and intimacy with God were severed. The once all-holy humanity that we had was broken because of sin. And we have become sharers of that broken and frail humanity.
But God did not abandon humanity in the clutches of sin and death. In the most perfect time, He sent His Son to redeem us from sin and death. Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection have gained us our reinstated status as adopted sons and daughters of the Father.
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we have been incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church. Through this sacrament, our original sin is cleansed, and we become a member of the family of God. Through baptism, we have received God’s sanctifying grace.
But God knows that after our baptism, there is still the inclination or tendency to sin. That is why He has also instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament enables us to be reconciled with God when we commit sin as older individuals.
Examination prayer before Confession
Lord God, all-loving and merciful Father, I approach You today as I ask for forgiveness and mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I praise You for giving us this sacrament to restore our broken relationship, which I have caused because of my sins. Help me as I examine my conscience before approaching this sublime sacrament of Your mercy.
Father, grant me remorse for all the sins I have committed. Grant me a soul that knows how to be humble before Your boundless power. Crush my hardened heart and give me a renewed heart. Tear down the walls of pride that I have built. Grant me tears of remorse for offending You.
As I prepare to go to confession, Lord God, help me to be honest with You and myself. This time with You is already an encounter of Your love and compassion to a wretched sinner like me. Here I am – alone with You, my God. Here I am – immersed in my brokenness but assured of Your assistance.
Lord God, I am haunted by the sins I committed in the past. I am disturbed by the opportunities when I should have done good but failed to do so. I am ashamed. I am guilty. Please do not let this feeling of remorse pass over me without confessing my failures.
Father, I run back to You like the prodigal son in the parable. And just like the story, I am comforted by the truth that You stand at the door waiting for my return. Run toward me, O God, and meet me in my sinfulness. Embrace me in Your mercy and compassion. May I never leave You again.
Guide me, Lord, as I confess my sins to Your minister. Help my heart to make a perfect contrition. Grant me the humility to confess all my sins with a truly repentant heart. Help me to be courageous and strong to make amends for all my deeds. Grant me the grace to strive for holiness every day. May I leave this sacrament refreshed and renewed and ready to continue the journey toward Your eternal home, where I will enjoy Your presence forever.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Short prayer before confession
Loving and merciful God, I come before Your throne of forgiveness and reconciliation. Help me remember the sins and faults I committed in the past. Grant me a humble heart. Enable me to accept my weakness and rely on Your mercy and pardon. Help me to amend my life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2 NRSVUE
Intercessory Prayer to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina for confession
Beloved Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, you were known for your ability to read the souls of those who went to you for confession. The grace of God led you to touch the lives of many people. You guided countless people to God. I pray to you as I prepare myself to confess my sins and make amends in my life.
In utmost humility and trust in your powerful intercession, o holy Padre Pio, pray to God on my behalf that I may have a contrite heart and a sincere resolve to turn away from sins and love God even more. May my heart be open to receive God’s mercy.
Padre Pio, you understand the gravity of my sins and the constant need for sincere conversion and repentance. Lead me as I make this confession. Intercede for me as I confess my sins without fear or hesitation before God through the ministry of my confessor. Help me to acknowledge my sins and be accountable to them fully.
Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is an opportune moment for us to have a personal encounter with our merciful and forgiving God. Through the ministry of the Church and the mediation of the priest, our sins are forgiven, our broken connection with God due to sin is restored, and we have reunited once again with our God and the Church.
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a real experience of being welcomed once again, of being listened to without judgment, of receiving counsel from the confessor, of hearing the words of pardon and blessing, and of fulfilling the penance required. All of these are essential components of this liberating sacrament.
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a solemn opportunity to be with the God who loves and forgives. That is why even before we approach the sacrament, we must look at ourselves and ask God to help us prepare to recognize our sins, ask His forgiveness, and have the firm conviction to change our ways.
Approaching the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is itself a manifestation of God’s mercy and forgiveness. He has given us this profound means to be reconciled to Him and to His Church. May we always see this sacrament as a way of coming back to the bosom of the Father. May we always see this sacrament as the constant and concrete means of reconciling with God, who loves us so much.
