Examination of Conscience

A prayerful examination of conscience based on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or for nightly prayer.

The Examination of Conscience is a prayerful review of your thoughts, words and actions in light of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. It prepares you for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or for nightly prayer. It begins by asking the Holy Spirit for light and ends with sorrow and gratitude. The goal is honesty, not perfectionism, and the examination is meant to lead to mercy. Go through the commandments one by one, asking yourself honest questions without scrupulosity. The aim is to notice patterns, such as impatience or gossip, so you can ask for specific help. At night, a five-minute review brings you back to gratitude. Confession then becomes easier, and peace more regular.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

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Examination of Conscience

Opening Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Enlighten my mind and heart. Help me to see my life as God sees it, so that I may humbly confess my sins and receive His mercy. Amen.

Examination by the Commandments:

1. I am the Lord your God — you shall have no other gods before me.
Have I put anything before God — work, pleasure, money, relationships, screens, reputation? Have I neglected prayer? Have I received the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin?

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
Have I used God's name disrespectfully? Have I broken oaths or promises made before God?

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days without a serious reason? Have I treated Sunday as just another day?

4. Honor your father and mother.
Have I been disrespectful to my parents, elders, or those in legitimate authority? Have I neglected my duty to family members?

5. You shall not kill.
Have I harmed others physically? Have I harbored hatred or unforgiveness? Have I harmed myself through reckless behavior? Have I been guilty of anger or cruelty in word or deed?

6 & 9. You shall not commit adultery / You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
Have I been faithful to my spouse in thought and deed? Have I used pornography? Have I entertained lustful thoughts or actions? Have I dressed or behaved immodestly?

7 & 10. You shall not steal / You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
Have I taken what belongs to others? Have I cheated, defrauded, or been dishonest in business? Am I envious of others' success?

8. You shall not bear false witness.
Have I lied? Have I gossiped or spread rumors? Have I damaged another's reputation? Have I been a hypocrite?

Examination by the Works of Mercy:
Have I fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, sheltered the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, visited the imprisoned, buried the dead?
Have I instructed the ignorant, counseled the doubtful, admonished the sinner, borne wrongs patiently, forgiven offenses, comforted the afflicted, prayed for the living and the dead?

Closing Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When should I pray the Examination of Conscience?

Pray it before confession, at night or at the end of a retreat.

How do I pray the Examination of Conscience?

Ask for light, read the questions slowly, note what stands out, and end with an Act of Contrition.

Who is the Examination of Conscience for?

All Catholics preparing for confession and anyone doing a nightly review.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play