Examination of Conscience for Adults

Examination of Conscience for Adults

An examination of conscience is a spiritual practice that helps us reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions in light of God’s commandments and the teachings of the Church. It is a valuable tool for preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as it allows us to see where we have fallen short and where we need God’s grace and forgiveness. Below is a guide to help you examine your conscience and seek a deeper conversion to Christ.

Prayer Before the Examination

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind and soften my heart as I examine my conscience. Help me see my sins clearly, be truly sorry for them, and resolve to do better. Grant me the courage to make a sincere confession and the grace to amend my life. Amen.

Examination of Conscience

Use the following questions to reflect on your relationship with God, your family, and others. Be honest and take your time. Allow God’s mercy and love to guide you as you acknowledge both your sins and the areas where you have grown.

1. My Relationship with God

  • Prayer and Worship:
    • Do I give God time every day in prayer?
    • Have I been distracted or lazy in my prayer life?
    • Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation without a valid reason?
    • Do I fully, actively, and consciously participate in the Mass, or do I allow myself to become distracted?
  • Reverence and Faith:
    • Have I taken the Lord’s name in vain through anger or carelessness?
    • Do I show reverence to God and His Church through my words and actions?
    • Have I trusted more in myself or others than in God?
  • Seeking His Will:
    • Have I tried to discern God’s will for my life and followed it?
    • Do I prioritize my faith, or do I allow other pursuits to come first?
    • Have I practiced any forms of superstition, sought out fortune-tellers, or engaged in occult practices?

2. My Relationship with Myself

  • Use of Gifts and Talents:
    • Am I using my God-given talents and abilities to the best of my ability?
    • Have I been slothful, lazy, or neglected my responsibilities?
    • Do I take care of my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?
  • Sinful Habits:
    • Have I been impatient, angry, or easily frustrated?
    • Have I indulged in addictions or behaviors that harm my health or relationship with God (e.g., substance abuse, gluttony, or impurity)?
    • Have I entertained impure thoughts or actions? Have I viewed pornography or engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?

3. My Relationship with Others

  • Family and Relationships:
    • Have I been respectful, patient, and loving toward my family members, especially my spouse, parents, and children?
    • Have I harbored grudges, resentment, or refused to forgive others?
    • Have I been faithful to my spouse in thoughts, words, and actions?
  • Honesty and Integrity:
    • Have I lied, gossiped, or spread rumors about others?
    • Have I been critical, judgmental, or lacked charity in my thoughts and words?
    • Have I stolen or taken what does not belong to me, even small things?
  • Charity and Justice:
    • Have I neglected to help those in need, even when I had the ability to do so?
    • Have I been generous with my time, talents, and resources?
    • Do I harbor prejudice or discrimination toward others based on race, religion, political views, or social status?

4. My Moral and Spiritual Life

  • Obedience to God’s Commandments:
    • Have I disobeyed God’s commandments or the teachings of the Church?
    • Have I neglected to defend my faith or failed to stand up for moral principles?
    • Have I misused God’s gift of sexuality through impure acts or contraceptive practices?
  • Conscience and Confession:
    • Have I gone to Confession regularly, or have I avoided it out of fear or laziness?
    • Have I confessed all serious (mortal) sins since my last Confession?
    • Am I truly sorry for my sins and willing to amend my life?

5. My Relationship with Society and the Church

  • Responsibility and Example:
    • Have I set a good example for others through my words and actions?
    • Have I caused scandal or led others to sin?
    • Have I respected and obeyed legitimate authority in society and the Church?
  • Use of Resources:
    • Have I used my resources responsibly, being careful not to waste or misuse God’s gifts?
    • Do I support the Church and charitable organizations with my time, talent, or treasure?
    • Have I been envious or resentful of the blessings and successes of others?

Act of Contrition

After examining your conscience, pray an Act of Contrition to express your sorrow for your sins:

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 occasions of sin. Amen.

Final Thoughts

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift of God’s grace and mercy, offering us the opportunity to be freed from sin and to grow closer to Christ. Regular Confession is a powerful way to examine our lives, confront our weaknesses, and seek God’s healing. As you approach this sacrament, remember that God’s love is infinite, and He desires nothing more than to welcome you back with open arms.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests and confessors, pray for us!