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A Preparation for Confession

by St. John of Kronstadt

I, a sinful soul, confess to our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, all of my evil acts which
I have done, said or thought from baptism even unto this present day.

I have not kept the vows of my baptism, but have made myself unwanted before the face
of God.

I have sinned before the Lord by lack of faith and by doubts concerning the Orthodox
Faith and the Holy Church; by ungratefulness for all of God's great and unceasing gifts;
His long-suffering and His providence for me, a sinner; by lack of love for the Lord, as
well as fear, through not fulfilling the Holy Commandments of God and the canons and
rules of the Church.

I have not preserved a love for God and for my neighbor nor have I made enough efforts,
because of laziness and lack of care, to learn the Commandments of God and the precepts
of the Holy Fathers.

I have sinned: by not praying in the morning and in the evening and in the course of the
day; by not attending the services or by coming to Church only half-heartedly, lazily and
carelessly; by conversing during the services, by not paying attention, letting my mind
wander and by departure from the Church before the dismissal and blessing.

I have sinned by judging members of the clergy.

I have sinned by not respecting the Feasts, breaking the Fasts, and by immoderation in
food and drink.

I have sinned by self-importance, disobedience, willfulness, self-righteousness, and the
seeking of approval and praise.

I have sinned by unbelief, lack of faith, doubts, despair, despondency, abusive thoughts,
blasphemy and swearing.

I have sinned by pride, a high opinion of my self, narcissism, vanity, conceit, envy, love
of praise, love of honors, and by putting on airs.

I have sinned: by judging, malicious gossip, anger, remembering of offenses done to me,
hatred and returning evil for evil; by slander, reproaches, lies, slyness, deception and
hypocrisy; by prejudices, arguments, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to give way to
my neighbor; by gloating, spitefulness, taunting, insults and mocking; by gossip, by
speaking too much and by empty speech.