About this prayer
These three established prayers are taken from the historical Baltimore Catechism, No. 1. The Act of Charity is headed An Act of Love in that edition. The historical wording is retained without modernization. They can be prayed individually or together, with everyone reciting each act in full.
Learn more: Prayer background & source ↗
Prayer text
Act of Faith
O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
Act of Hope
O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Act of Charity (Love)
O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Pray along
Use the complete text above. When praying together, one person reads the Prayer leader lines and everyone joins in the responses. When praying alone, read both parts. Pause briefly between prayers.
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