Preparation for Confession in English [Miserere Mei Deus]

Here are prayers for Preparation for Confession in English said by Catholic faithful in preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confession.

Preparation for Confession in English [Miserere Mei Deus ~ Ps. 50]

Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness. In Your great tenderness wipe away my faults; Wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.

For I am well aware of my faults. I have my sin constantly in mind. Having sinned against none other than You, having done what You regard as wrong. You are just when You pass sentence on me, blameless when You give judgement, You know I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.

Yet, since You love sincerity of heart teach me the secret of wisdom Purify me with hyssop until I am clean.

Wash me until I am whiter than snow. Instill some joy and gladness into me, let the bones You have crushed rejoice again.

Hide Your face from my sins, wipe out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart in me, put into me a new and constant spirit, Do not banish me from your presence, do not deprive me of your holy spirit.

Be my Saviour again, renew my joy; Keep my spirit steady and willing; And I shall teach transgressors the way to You. And to You the sinners will return.

Save me from death, God my saviour and my tongue will acclaim Your righteousness; Lord, open my lips and my mouth will speak out Your praise. Sacrifice gives You no pleasure, were I to offer holocaust, You would not have it, My sacrifice is this broken spirit.

You will not scorn this crushed and broken heart. Show Your favour graciously to Zion, rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.

Then there will be proper sacrifice to please You holocaust and whole oblation. And young bulls to be offered on Your altar.

PRAYER

We are Your children, Lord; look upon us. It was to save us that our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to deliver Himself into the hands of sinners and undergo the torment of the Cross. He who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer Before Confession

O most merciful God! Prostrate at Your feet, I implore Your forgiveness. I sincerely desire to leave all my evil ways and to confess my sins with all sincerity to You and to Your priest. I am a sinner, have mercy on me. O Lord, Give me a lively faith and a firm hope in the Passion of my Redeemer. Give me for Your mercy’s sake a sorrow for having offended so good a God.

Mary, my mother, refuge of sinners, pray for me that I may make a good confession.

A SHORT TABLE OF SINS

On the Commandment:

1. Have you doubted in matters of faith? Murmured against God, at personal misfortune or at the prosperity of others? Despaired of His mercy? Believed or practiced any form of superstition/omitted your morning and night prayers?

2. Sworn falsely, rashly, or in slight and trivial matters? Cursed yourself or others, or any creature? Angered others so far as to make them swear, or blaspheme God?

3. Have you kept holy the Lord’s Day, and all Holy Days of Obligation? Done or ordered some servile work not of necessity? Missed Mass? Profaned the day?

4. Have you caused, desired, or hastened the death of anyone? Approved of abortion? Borne hatred; oppressed anyone; desired revenge; not forgiven; refused to speak to others; used provoking language? Have you been guilty of drug or alcohol abuse?

5. Have you been guilty of immodest dress or impurity; bad company; have you read obscene books, seen immodest films and scenes? Been guilty of impure songs, conversations, words, looks or actions by yourself or with others? Willfully entertained impure thoughts or desires? Practiced artificial birth control?

6. Have you stolen? Cheated? Willfully damaged another’s property or spoiled it? Run into debt beyond your power of payment?

7. Have you lied? Born false witness, called injurious names, told another’s sins; opened another’s letter, judged rashly; suspected falsely?

8. Desire unjustly anything that belongs to another?

Method of Confessing

After having carefully examined your conscience, excite yourself to a hearty sorrow for yours sins, and make a firm purpose of amendment. In going to confession, humble yourself by considering the majesty of God and your own unworthiness. Let your confession be clear and entire.

After this listen attentively to the instructions and advice of your confessor, answer his questions, and humbly accept the penance which he will give you.

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