If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

– 1 John 1:8-9

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

– James 5:16

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

– John 20:21-23

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The penitent begins by saying:

Please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will. I, a poor sinner, plead guilty before God of all sins. I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most. My Lord’s name I have not honored as I should; my worship and prayers have faltered. I have not let His love have its way with me, and so my love for others has failed. There are those whom I have hurt, and those whom I have failed to help. My thoughts and desires have been spoiled with sin. What troubles me particularly is that…

(Here, the penitent is to confess whatever they have done against the commandments of God, according to their own place in life. The penitent continues.)

I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better.

The confessor continues:

God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness?

The penitent will say:

Yes.

The confessor places his hand on the head of the penitent and says the following:

Let it be done to you according to your faith. In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The confessor dismisses the penitent.

Go in peace.

The penitent responds:

Amen.