A beautiful prayer for after receiving absolution from the priest.

The sacrament of confession is a beautiful extension of God’s infinite mercy. It is that great gift to humanity that restores our relationship with the Heavenly Father.

However, sometimes we don’t always feel the profound action of our sins being wiped away. We may immediately say our penance and leave the Church without acknowledging what just happened in the confessional.

One way to help our souls enter into the reality of what took place is to pray a simple prayer after going to confession. It could be a short “thank you” to God for the gift he just bestowed upon you, or maybe a longer dialogue of thanksgiving. Whatever we do, it is important to imagine the weight of our sins being lifted away by the Good Shepherd.

Here is one ancient prayer passed down in the traditions of the Church that envisions this action of God as chains falling off, giving us the freedom that our hearts desire.

O merciful God, as at the words of thy angel St. Peter was immediately restored to liberty by the chains falling off from his feet, so grant, dear Lord, that by the words of this holy sacrament, pronounced by the priest, the chains of my sins may be loosed, and all my offenses be pardoned. Amen.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! O God, be merciful to me a sinner! O Thou who sufferedst for me, have mercy on me! Sprinkle me with thy blood, O Jesus, and I shall be made whiter than snow

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10 Reasons You Might Need to Go to Confession

1. Missed Mass without a valid reason

Completely forgot? or maybe you just decided you wouldn’t go. If you were not seriously ill or in a situation where it is impossible (vacation is not a good reason), you need confession. Bookmark MassTimes.org now, and ensure you never miss Mass again.