9th Day Our Lady The Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer

Day 9 

Novena Prayer to Our Lady The Undoer of Knots

1. Make the sign of the cross

2. Say the Act of Contrition. Ask pardon for your sins and make a firm promise not to commit them again.

Oh my God I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell. But most of all, because I offended you, oh my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen

3. Say the first 3 decades of the Rosary.

4. Make the meditation of the day

5. Say the last 2 decades of the rosary

6. Finish with the Prayer to Our Lady the Undoer of Knots

Meditation for Day 9

Our Lady Undoer of Knots

Most Holy Mary, our Advocate, Undoer of Knots, I come today to thank you for undoing this knot in my life (STATE YOUR INTENTIONS) You know very well the suffering it has caused me. Thank you for coming, Mother, with your long fingers of mercy to dry the tears in my eyes; you receive me in your arms and make it possible for me to receive once again the divine grace.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, dearest Mother, I thank you for undoing the knots in my life. Wrap me in your mantle of love, keep me under your protection, enlighten me with your peace! Amen.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

PRAYER TO MARY, UNDOER OF KNOTS (Closing Prayer)

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life.

You know very well how desperate I am, my pain and how I am bound by these knots.

Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life.

No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone.

Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot (STATE YOUR INTENTIONS) I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all, You are my hope.

O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution and with Christ the freedom from my chains.

Hear my plea.

Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge!

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me

 1st Day,2nd Day, 3rd Day, 4th Day, 5th Day, 6th Day, 7th Day,8th Day

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Novena To Saint Jude

Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus 

To be repeated once a day for nine days:

Most holy Apostle, SAINT JUDE THADDEUS, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, you bear name of the traitor, who delivered the beloved Master into the hands of His enemies. Yet the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and things despaired. Pray for me! Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and support of heaven in all my necessities, evils, and sufferings: particularly…

(State Your Request)

… and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed SAINT JUDE, to be ever mindful of this great favor and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you.

V. SAINT JUDE, Apostle of Hope:

R. Pray for us!

                     SHARE and be BLESSED

WHO IS SAINT JUDE THADDEUS THE APOSTLE

Jude the Apostle

Description

Jude, also known as Judas Thaddaeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. He is generally identified with Thaddeus, and is also variously called Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. 

Born: Galilee, Israel

Died: Parthian Empire

Full name: Judas Thaddaeus

Feast: 28 October (Western Christianity); 19 June and 21 August (Eastern Christianity)

Canonized: Pre-Congregation

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."

(Jude 20-21)

St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes and one of Jesus’ original twelve Apostles.

What is Saint Jude Thaddeus known for?
In the Roman Catholic Church, he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. Saint Jude's attribute is a club. He is also often shown in icons with a flame around his head. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles.

He preached the Gospel with great passion, often in the most difficult circumstances. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he made profound differences in people's lives as he offered them the Word of God. The Gospel tells us that St. Jude was a brother of St. James the Less, also one of the Apostles. They are described in the Gospel of Matthew as the "brethren" of Jesus, probably cousins. St. Jude is often confused with Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

What is the story of Saint Jude?

The devotion to him as patron saint of desperate causes began in France and Germany in the late 18th century. St. Jude is distinguished in John 14:22 as Judas but “not Iscariot” to avoid identification with the betrayer of Jesus, Judas Iscariot. ... After Jesus' Ascension, Jude's history is unknown.

St. Jude is traditionally depicted carrying the image of Jesus in his hand.

This recalls one of his miracles during his work spreading the Word of God. King Abagar of Edessa asked Jesus to cure him of leprosy and sent an artist to bring him a drawing of Jesus. Impressed with Abagar's great faith, Jesus pressed His face on a cloth, leaving the image of His face on it. He gave the cloth to St. Jude, who took the image to Abagar and cured him.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, St. Jude traveled throughout Mesopotamia, Libya, and Persia with St. Simon preaching and building up the foundations of the early Church. St. Jude died a martyr's death for his unwavering faith. His body was later brought to Rome and placed in a crypt under St. Peter's Basilica.

SAINT JUDE THADDEUS, PATRON SAINT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE CASES

WHO IS SAINT JUDE THADDEUS

Saint Jude was one of Jesus’ twelve original apostles, so we can conclude that he was also at the Last Supper. Saint Jude is also known by the name Thaddeus, which means sweetness and gentleness of character. 
He is not the traitor Judas Iscariot. 
Saint Jude, rather, followed Jesus faithfully until His crucifixion, and then later worked on evangelization. Very little is known about his life, but we do know that he died as a martyr — some say around 65AD, giving his life to Jesus Christ. 
He is now one of the most invoked saints for intercession in desperate situations because his New Testament letter stressed the importance of a faithful person persevering in the environment of harsh circumstances.

St. Jude’s Patronages 
Saint Jude is the patron saint of: Lost Causes, Desperate Causes ,Hospitals

Saint of the Day, January 17

St. Anthony, Patriarch of Monks, 251–356

January 17—Memorial
Liturgical Color: White 
Patron Saint of butchers, skin diseases, gravediggers, and swine

"A solitary monk trades the world for the desert sands, and so forges a new path."

Many extraordinary people who live heroic, path breaking lives remain unknown to posterity for one simple reason—no one writes their biography. How many other saints, heroes, and martyrs would be known to mankind if just one witness to their actions had put pen to paper! Just one author is needed to introduce a great man to subsequent generations. Today’s saint may have been forgotten forever, and may have wanted to remain unknown. But a talented and famous contemporary of his wrote what he knew. Saint Athanasius, the great champion of orthodoxy at the Council of Nicea, wrote a short biography of his fellow Egyptian, The Life of Saint Anthony the Great. Saint Athanasius’ work was so widely shared, and so often translated, that it was never lost to history. It has preserved St. Anthony’s memory down to the present.

The first three centuries of the Church saw sporadic persecutions of Christianity which at times turned vicious. These spasms of violence against Christians produced a large class of martyrs, many of whose last words and sufferings were recorded in official Roman judicial documents or in the written testimonies of witnesses. As Christianity was legalized at the start of the fourth century martyrdom ceased to be the primary form of Christian witness. A new form of radical witness to Christ emerged—the witness of radical isolation, fasting, prayer, and penance of the desert fathers. These monks retreated into remote places to lead solitary lives of dedication to Christ. Foremost among these desert fathers was St. Anthony of the Desert, born around 250 A.D. He was not the first ascetic, but he was perhaps the first to take the radical decision to retreat into the desert.

St. Anthony had money and property as a young man. But upon hearing at Mass the words of Christ to the rich young man to “…go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven”, St. Anthony decided to seek not silver or bronze, but pure gold. He sold his goods, he removed himself from all temptation except those intrinsic to human nature, he battled the devil, he fasted, he prayed, and he even actively sought martyrdom. He became famous for being holy. Saint Anthony preceded St. Benedict by two hundred years. He offers us an example of being a monk outside of a community of monks in a monastery. He sought Christ alone in every sense. Alone in the desert, without family, community, or money. Alone to the world, he clinged to the only person who truly mattered—God himself. Saint Anthony’s path of holiness is both radical and refined. It is for few people to walk. But he was the first to walk it so well. He shows us that being alone, stripped of all worldly concerns, is a sort of rehearsal for death, where we will meet God alone, every last thread tying us to the world having been cut.

St. Anthony, we ask your intercession to help us cling to God alone. Help us to strip ourselves of those needs and concerns which stuff our lives from morning to night. Help us not to be distracted from the one thing, the only thing, the last thing, God Himself.

The Nicene Creed: Full Prayer, Meaning, History, and Why Catholics Profess It at Every Sunday Mass

"I believe in one God..."

Every Sunday and on solemn feast days, Catholics around the world stand together and profess one of the most important statements of the Christian faith—the Nicene Creed. More than just a prayer, it is a solemn declaration of what the Catholic Church believes about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eternal life.

The Nicene Creed has united Christians in the essential truths of the faith for nearly 1,700 years. When we pray it sincerely, we proclaim our trust in God, renew our baptismal promises, and join millions of believers across the world in one voice of faith.

In this article, you'll discover the full Nicene Creed, its history, the meaning behind each section, why Catholics pray it during Mass, and how praying it can strengthen your spiritual life.

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The Full Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

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What Is the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed is the Church's official profession of faith. It summarizes the essential teachings revealed by Jesus Christ and handed down by the Apostles.

Its primary purpose is to proclaim the truth about:

• God the Father

• Jesus Christ, the Son of God

• The Holy Spirit

• The Catholic Church

• Baptism

• The resurrection of the dead

• Eternal life

Every phrase was carefully chosen to defend the true faith against errors that arose during the early centuries of Christianity.

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History of the Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed was first formulated during the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, convened by Emperor Constantine. The bishops gathered to address false teachings that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ.

Later, the First Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 expanded and completed the Creed, especially its teaching about the Holy Spirit. The text Catholics pray today is commonly called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.

For centuries it has remained the universal profession of faith of the Catholic Church.

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The Meaning of the Nicene Creed

"I believe in one God..."

The Creed begins by proclaiming that there is only one true God—the Father Almighty, Creator of everything visible and invisible.

God is not merely the creator of the physical universe but also of the spiritual world, including the angels.

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"I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ..."

This section proclaims that Jesus is truly God and truly man.

When we say:

"God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God..."

we affirm that Jesus shares the same divine nature as the Father.

The word consubstantial means that the Father and the Son are one in being. Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Son of God.

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The Incarnation

The Creed reminds us of the greatest mystery of our salvation:

"By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man."

God entered human history out of love.

Jesus became one of us so that humanity could be reconciled with God.

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Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection

The Creed summarizes the heart of the Gospel:

• Jesus suffered.

• Jesus died.

• Jesus was buried.

• Jesus rose again.

• Jesus ascended into heaven.

Everything Christians hope for rests upon Christ's Resurrection.

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Christ Will Come Again

Catholics believe Jesus will return in glory.

His Second Coming will bring the final judgment when every person will stand before Him.

For believers, this is not a reason to fear but a reason to remain faithful and hopeful.

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The Holy Spirit

The Creed proclaims the Holy Spirit as:

• Lord

• Giver of Life

• Truly God

• Worshipped together with the Father and the Son

The Holy Spirit guides the Church, inspires holiness, strengthens believers, and helps us live according to God's will.

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One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

These four marks identify the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

One

United in one faith, one Lord, and one Baptism.

Holy

Made holy by Christ despite the sins of her members.

Catholic

Universal, sent to every nation and every people.

Apostolic

Built upon the Apostles and faithfully preserving their teaching through apostolic succession.

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One Baptism

The Creed teaches that Baptism forgives sins and welcomes us into the Body of Christ.

Because Baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark, it is received only once.

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Resurrection and Eternal Life

The Creed ends with hope.

Christians do not simply believe in life after death.

We believe that Christ will raise our bodies and bring the faithful into eternal communion with God.

This hope gives courage during suffering and peace in the face of death.

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Why Do Catholics Pray the Nicene Creed at Mass?

The Nicene Creed is prayed after the homily because the faithful respond to God's Word by professing their faith together.

When Catholics recite the Creed, they:

• Renew their faith.

• Profess the teachings of the Church.

• Prepare themselves to receive the Eucharist.

• Unite with Catholics throughout the world.

The Creed reminds us that our faith is not merely personal but shared by the entire Church.

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How the Nicene Creed Can Strengthen Your Faith

Praying the Nicene Creed slowly and thoughtfully can help you:

• Grow in your knowledge of Catholic doctrine.

• Deepen your relationship with the Holy Trinity.

• Strengthen your trust during trials.

• Remember God's plan of salvation.

• Renew your hope in eternal life.

Rather than rushing through the words, meditate on each statement as a personal act of faith.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Nicene Creed?

It is named after the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), where the Church first formulated this profession of faith.

Is the Nicene Creed different from the Apostles' Creed?

Yes. Both are authentic professions of Catholic faith, but the Nicene Creed is longer and more detailed, especially in its teaching about Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Apostles' Creed is commonly prayed during the Rosary and in personal devotion, while the Nicene Creed is ordinarily used during Sunday Mass and solemnities.

Why do Catholics bow during the Creed?

When praying the words:

"and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man,"

Catholics make a profound bow as a sign of reverence for the mystery of the Incarnation.

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Related Catholic Prayers

If this prayer has strengthened your faith, you may also wish to reflect on:

• The Apostles' Creed

• The Sign of the Cross

• The Act of Faith

• The Act of Hope

• The Act of Love

• Morning Offering Prayer

• Prayer to the Holy Spirit

• Prayer Before Holy Communion

• Prayer After Holy Communion

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Final Reflection

The Nicene Creed is far more than words we repeat at Mass. It is a living profession of faith that connects us with the Apostles, the early Church, the saints, and Catholics around the world.

Every time we proclaim, "I believe," we renew our trust in the Father who created us, the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us.

May this ancient profession of faith continue to guide our hearts, strengthen our hope, and deepen our love for the Holy Trinity until the day we share in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

If this article helped you grow in your faith, please share it with your family and friends. Explore more Catholic prayers and teachings here on Catholic Prayers & Inspirations.

THE APOSTLES' CREED

The Apostles' Creed

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I believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY MASS

14 WONDERS  OF THE POWER OF THE HOLY MASS

After reading this you will understand the treasure of the Holy Mass.

 #1 – At the hour of death, your greatest consolation will be the Holy Masses that you devoutly attended during your life.

#2 – Every Holy Mass you have heard will accompany you to the Divine Court and will advocate for you to obtain forgiveness.

#3 – With each Holy Mass you can lessen the temporal punishment that you deserve for your sins, in proportion to the Fervor with which you listen.

#4 – With the devout participation of the Holy Mass you pay the greatest homage to the Most Holy Humanity of Our Lord. The well-attended Holy Mass supplies your greatest negligence and omission.

#5 – For the Holy Mass well heard forgive all your venial sins that you are determined to avoid, and many others that you do not even remember. The demon also loses control over you.

#6 – By offering the Holy Mass, you offer even greater comfort to the blessed souls of Purgatory.

#7 – A Holy Mass devoutly attended while you live, will bring you much more benefit than many offered for you after your death.

#8 – You are freed from many dangers and misfortunes in which you might fall, if it were not for Holy Mass.

#9 – Remember also that with Holy Mass you reduce your purgatory.

#10 – With each Holy Mass you increase your degree of glory in Heaven. In it you receive the blessing of the Priest, which God ratifies in heaven.

#11 – During the Holy Mass you kneel in the midst of a multitude of angels invisibly attending to the Holy Sacrifice.

#12 – You get blessings in your business and temporal affairs.

#13 – When we hear Holy Mass in honor of a particular saint, giving thanks to God for the favors requested of this saint, we gain his protection and special love, for the joy and happiness that his works follow.

#14 – Every day that we hear Mass, besides the other intentions, we must honor the Saint of the day.

 IMPRIMATUR:
 JUAN J. CLENNON
 Archbishop of St. Louis

Prayer When Suffering In Hard Times

Say This Prayer When In Difficult Times

Prayer To The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Almighty Arms of Jesus before you, I with all my faith beg you for comfort. ln my difficult situation do not forsake me Good Jesus.  Open your doors in my way that your Almighty Arms will open and close as you desire to give that tranquility that I so desire.

(Make your Petitions)

0 my God, receive that supplication from a wounded heart that is always fighting for me.With your divine power never let me scramble for want of help. Almighty Jesus assist me to find a shelter in your celestial country forever,

Amen.

(This is a very powerful prayer that when said with sincere faith from the heart will be answered. Make sure to pass on this prayer to all people who need it in their times of difficulties. Don’t forget the thanksgiving for all prayers answered!)

Prayer To Jesus For Help When In Pain

Ease My Pain and Strengthen Me, Jesus

LORD Jesus Christ,

 King of Kings, you created all things 

and you sustain all things. 

Ease my pain and strengthen me 

when I feel unable to carry on. 

You say that the prayer of 
a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

Remind me that my sins have been atoned for 

and I am clothed in your perfect righteousness.

I pray based on confidence in 

your righteousness, not my own. 

In your mercy LORD, 

hear my prayer and 

turn your face towards me.

Your power is great enough 

to heal any illness and 

I ask you to extend your 

healing hand towards me. 

I ask this through 

Jesus Christ our LORD. 

Amen

PRAYER FOR HELP TO STAY SOBER

Help Me to Stay Sober

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Dear God,
Thank you for this day. Help me to stay clean and sober, just for this day. Help me to recognize your hand in all things. Thank you for the blessings I understand and the ones I don't. Thank you for the miracles I see and the ones I don't. Thank you for your spirit who always abides in me. I ask that I may be with your spirit today. Cleanse my mind of all darkness and fill it with love and light. Let me be o.k. with this day no matter what it brings. Thank you for everything that's in my life and everything that's not.

WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE, SAY THIS PRAYER

Prayer in Time of Trouble

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Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me."
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me.
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me.
When others fail me and Your grace alone can assist me, Jesus, help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior, Jesus, help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus, help me.
When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me, Jesus, help me.
When I am ill and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely, Jesus, help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me.
Amen.

PRAYER AS We Go To Our Daily Work

Prayer to Start the Workday

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Almighty God, we bless and praise Thee that we have wakened to the light of another earthly day; and now we will think of what a day should be.

Our days are Thine, let them be spent for Thee. Our days are few, let them be spent with care. We pray Thee to shine on this day—the day which we may call our own.

Lord, we go to our daily work; help us to take pleasure therein. Show us clearly what our duty is; help us to be faithful in doing it. Let all we do be well done, fit for Thine eye to see. Give us strength to do, patience to bear; let our courage never fail.

When we cannot love our work, let us think of it as Thy task; and by our true love to Thee, make unlovely things shine in the light of Thy great love. Amen.

Examination of Conscience Based On 7 Deadly Sins

Individual Examination of Conscience 

7 Deadly Sins

Pride

 “Pride is an untrue opinion of ourselves, an untrue idea of what we are not.” Have I a superior attitude in thinking, or speaking or acting? Am I snobbish?  Have I offensive, haughty ways of acting or carrying myself?  Do I hold myself above others? Do I demand recognition?  Do I desire to be always first? Do I seek advice?  Am I ready to accept advice? Am I in any sense a “bully”?  Am I inclined to be “bossy”? Do I speak ill of others?  Have I lied about others?  Do I make known the faults of others?  Do I seek to place the blame on others, excusing myself?  Is there anyone to whom I refuse to speak? Is there anyone to whom I have not spoken for a long time?  Am I prone to argue?  Am I offensive in my arguments? Have I a superior “know-it-all attitude” in arguments?  Am I self-conscious?  Am I sensitive?  Am I easily wounded?

Envy
 “Envy is a sadness which we feel, on account of the good that happens to our neighbor.”  Do I feel sad at the prosperity of others? At their success in games? In athletics?  Do I rejoice at their failures?  Do I envy the riches of others?

Sloth:
“Sloth is a kind of cowardice and disgust, which makes us neglect and omit our duties,rather than to discipline ourselves.”  Have I an inordinate love of rest,neglecting my duties?  Do I act lazily?  Am I too fond of rest? Do I take lazy positions in answering prayers? Do I kneel in a lounging way?  Do I delight in idle conversation?  Do I fail to be fervent in the service of God?

Lust
 “Lust is the love of the pleasures that are contrary to purity.”  Have I desired or done impure things? Have I taken pleasure in entertaining impure thoughts or desires? Have I read impure material, listened to music with impure lyrics, or looked at impure images, whether in photos or on television or in movies or on the Internet? Have I aroused sexual desire in myself or another by impure kissing, embracing, or touching? Have I committed impure actions alone, i.e.,masturbation? Do I dress immodestly or am I too concerned with the way I look?Do I use vulgar language or tell or listen to impure jokes or stories? Have I given into desires of adultery even in my imagination?

Covetousness
 “Covetousness is a disordered love of the goods of this world.”  Do I dispose of my money properly or selfishly?  Do I discharge my duties in justice to my fellow man?  Do I discharge my duties in justice to the Church?

Gluttony
“Gluttony is a disordered love of eating and drinking.”  Do I eat to live or live to eat?  Do I drink to excess?  Do I get drunk?  Do I misuse prescription drugs?  Do I use illegal drugs?  Have I allowed myself to become addicted to alcohol and/or drugs?

Anger
 “An emotion of the soul, which leads us violently to repel whatever hurts or displeases us.”  Am I prone to anger?  Does practically any little thing arouse my temper?  Am I what is generally termed “a sore-head”? Do I fail to repress the first signs of anger? Do I fail to get along well with everybody? Do I ponder over slights or injuries and even presume them?  Do I rejoice at the misfortunes of others? Do I think of means of revenge? Of “getting even”?  Am I of an argumentative disposition? Have I a spirit of contradiction?  Am I given to ridicule of persons, places, or things?  Am I hard to get along with?  Do I carry grudges, remain “on the outs” with anyone?  Do I talk about the faults of others?  Do I reveal the faults or defects of others?  Do I reveal the faults of others from the wrong motive?

ACT OF CONTRITION

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.  Amen.

Examination of Conscience Based On The Commandments

Individual Examination of Conscience 

10 Commandments 

First Commandment: “I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange gods before Me.”
Have I denied God? Have I been ashamed of or denied my faith in front of others? Have I ridiculed the teachings or practices of the Church? Have I neglected my prayers? Have I used witchcraft, Wicca, or other Occult practices? Have I practiced various forms of superstition such as fortune tellers, mediums, ouija boards, tarot cards?

Second Commandment: “Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.” 
Do I use God’s name carelessly, in anger, or in surprise? Have I called down evil upon anyone or anything?

Third Commandment: “Keep holy the Sabbath Day.”
Have I, through my own fault, failed to come to Mass each Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation? Do I arrive at Mass late or leave early without good reason? Do I allow myself to be distracted at Mass?

Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” 
Have I disobeyed my parents or treated them with disrespect? Am I disrespectful, impolite, or discourteous toward my family? Have I neglected my work or my studies? Have I been helpful in my home? Have I failed to study seriously and with diligence? Have I missed an exam at school because of laziness? Am I disrespectful toward the elderly? Am I disobedient to the civil law or to those in authority such as the police?

Fifth Commandment: “You shall not kill.”
Did I have an abortion or help another to have an abortion? Have I mutilated my body or another’s body? Did I attempt suicide or seriously consider thoughts of suicide? Do I act violently by fighting or hitting others? Have I had thoughts of hatred toward another? Have I taken illegal drugs or abused prescription drugs? Have I sold or distributed illegal drugs? Do I neglect to take proper care of my body? Do I eat too much, or sleep too much? Do I drink beer or other alcoholic beverages in excess? Have I allowed myself to become intoxicated?  Am I too concerned about my health or appearance? Do I deliberately harbor unkind and revengeful thoughts about others? Have Itaken revenge? Have I used harsh or abusive language toward another? Do I act rudely, impolitely, or ridicule others? Have I been guilty of the sin of racism? Am I cruel to animals?

Sixth & Ninth Commandments: “Do not commit adultery.  Do not covet your neighbors wife.” 
Have I desired or done impure things? Have I taken pleasure in entertaining impure thoughts or desires? Have I read impure material, listened to music with impure lyrics, or looked at impure images, whether in photos or on television or in movies or on the Internet? Have I aroused sexual desire in myself or another by impure kissing, embracing, or touching? Have I committed impure actions alone, i.e., masturbation? Have I committed homosexual acts or other unnatural acts? Do I use artificial contraception whether surgical, barrier or chemical methods? Have I dressed immodestly or been too concerned with the way I look? Do I use vulgar language or tell or listen to impure jokes or stories?

Seventh and tenth Commandments: “You shall not steal.  Do not covet your neighbor’s goods.” 
Have I taken anything that was not my own? Have I damaged private or public property or defaced it by vandalism? Have I been guilty of shop-lifting? Have I accepted or bought stolen property or helped someone to steal? Have I bribed someone? Do I gamble excessively? Have I borrowed something without the owner’s permission? Have I failed to return something I borrowed? Do I waste money or spend it extravagantly? Have I harbored a greed for money or worldly possessions? Have I made of money, or any possession, a false god? Do I waste goods or food? Have I cheated on tests or schoolwork? Have I cheated in games or sports?

Eighth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” 
Have I lied deliberately? Have I sworn to do something sinful or illegal? Have I slandered others by attributing to them sins they did not commit or of which I had no evidence? Do I gossip about others or listen to gossip? Have I told a secret I was asked to keep? Have I betrayed someone’s trust? Have I criticized anyone uncharitably? Do I make rash judgments and harbor false suspicions about others? Have I deliberately misled or deceived anyone? Have I refused to forgive someone or held a grudge against him or her? Have I failed to apologize or make amends to someone I offended?

Other considerations:  
Am I greedy or selfish or do I indulge in self-pity? Am I proud or vain or do I show off?  Am I superficial and worldly? Do I desire to be praised by exaggerating my success? Am I touchy and hypersensitive? Do I magnify the least oversight or thoughtlessness into an insult or deliberate slight? Have I been boastful? Have I been arrogant with others? Have I obstinately defended actions which are sinful, either my own or other’s? Am I rebellious? Have I spent useless time planted before the TV when I could be doing more constructive things? Am I envious of someone’s possessions and do I inordinately desire them to be my own? Do I take delight in the misfortunes of others?

ACT OF CONTRITION

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.  Amen.

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