A Complete Examination of Conscience on the 7 Deadly Sins with Healing Prayers

Note: This is a working document. If you see any errors or ways I can improve it, please contact me.

For a PDF of the following text, which I highly recommend that you print off (and then burn after Confession), click here.

1st Exercise: A General Examination of Conscience on the 7 Deadly Sins

Instructions

This examination of conscience can be used in two ways:

• Frequent Confession – reviewing your sins since your last valid Confession.
• General Confession – reviewing your sins from the earliest memories of childhood. This is especially recommended for this exercise.

If preparing for a general Confession, check the boxes beside any sins you especially want to repent of. If preparing for a regular Confession, focus only on sins committed since your last valid Confession.

• Sins marked with * are commonly considered grave matter. If these were committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent, they must be confessed in kind and number, since they are mortal sins (CCC 1857).
  
• Sins without a * are venial sins. The Church strongly encourages confessing these as well, since doing so helps us form our conscience, resist sinful tendencies, be healed by Christ, and grow in the Spirit (CCC 1458; CIC 988).

Before beginning, remember this: it takes courage and humility to look deeply into our hearts and confront the darkness, brokenness, and sin that lurks there. But Christ does not reveal our sins to condemn us—He reveals them to heal us.

Prayer Before Confession

Jesus, crucified for me, bearing the weight of all my sins—past, present, and future—give me the grace to see my soul in the light of Your truth. Send the Holy Spirit into the shadows of my heart and mind; shine Your light to reveal what needs healing. Give me courage to admit my sinfulness, and the humility to open my heart to Your mercy. Jesus, I trust in You. Have mercy on me. Amen.

Pride

Pride is “the disordered love of one’s own excellence” above God and others (see Aquinas Summa Theologiae, II-II, q. 162). Jesus warned: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Luke 14:11), and “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). 

With God, have I… 

• Placed created things—wealth, pleasure, career, family, my own will—above God? (venial, but *grave if it leads to a rejection of Him)
• * Engaged in superstitious or occult practices (astrology, magic, fortune-telling, horoscopes, charms, witchcraft)? (grave matter, 1st Commandment)
• * Used God’s holy name in vain through profanity, irreverence, or mockery? (grave matter, 2nd Commandment)
• * Intentionally concealed mortal sins in a previous Confession? 
• * Presumed on God’s mercy by committing sins expecting absolution without repentance?
• Neglected prayer, failing to seek God daily? (venial, but * grave if prayer is habitually abandoned)
• Tried to manipulate or blame God for my struggles? (venial)

With others, have I… 

• Lied, exaggerated, or borne false witness to enhance my image? (venial; * grave if serious harm results)
• * Profaned the dignity of the Church, Mary, saints, or sacred persons with mockery or irreverence? (grave if malicious, venial if careless)
• Judged, criticized, or dwelt on others’ faults in thought or speech? (venial)
• Bragged, boasted, or dominated conversations with a “know-it-all” attitude? (venial)
• Disrespected parents, teachers, civil or Church authority? (venial; * grave if serious disobedience with harm)
• * Damaged another’s reputation through calumny, false accusation, or serious gossip? (grave if major harm; venial if light/mild)
• Ignored guidance from Confession or spiritual direction (when good counsel)? (venial)
• Refused to learn from others or accept correction? (venial)
• Complained, whined, or blamed others instead of taking responsibility? (venial)
• Lacked gratitude and respect toward parents or grandparents? (venial; * grave if ongoing and willful contempt)
• Misrepresented Church teaching to others? (* grave if deliberate and harmful; venial if careless)
• Reacted harshly to others’ questions, comments, or humour? (venial)
• Made fun of, ignored, or failed to help the elderly or disabled? (venial; * grave if it causes serious harm or neglect)

With myself, have I… 

• * Joined groups or engaged in teachings contrary to the Catholic faith (Masonry, New Age, schism, heretical sects)? (grave matter, against faith/1st Commandment)
• * Cheated seriously in school, work, finances, or other areas for unjust gain? (grave if major harm; venial if minor)
• Been impatient with my own weaknesses and failings? (venial)
• Refused to admit wrongdoing or stubbornly refused to learn from mistakes? (venial; * grave if in contempt of truth/authority)
• Acted with wrong intention, seeking personal glory instead of God’s? (venial)
• Idolized myself or my achievements above God and others? (venial; * grave if it replaces God altogether)

Anger

Anger is a disordered desire for revenge that exceeds the control of reason—whether in its cause or its intensity. Jesus warned: “Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).

With God, have I… 

• * Used God’s holy name out of anger or in blasphemy? (grave matter, CCC 2148)
• Harboured resentment toward Him for unanswered prayers or unfulfilled desires? (venial, unless it becomes hatred of God, which is grave)

With others, have I… 

• * Committed murder, homicide, or manslaughter? (grave, CCC 2268)
• * Abused another through serious verbal, emotional, or physical harm (abuse, threats, violence)? (grave if serious harm; venial if minor outbursts)
• * Wished death or grave evil upon another? (grave matter)
• * Abused or seriously neglected my children or dependents? (grave, CCC 2284, 2291)
• Shown prejudice, bigotry, or hatred toward another race or group? (grave if acted upon or causing serious harm; venial if interior)
• Disobeyed or dishonored parents or lawful authority? (grave if serious, venial if light)
• Reacted with rudeness, impatience, vulgarity, arrogance, or unnecessary arguments? (venial)
• Failed to listen before responding; reacted harshly or rashly? (venial)
• Allowed anger to fester into grudges, unforgiveness, or hatred in thought? (venial if fleeting; grave if willed and sustained)
• Nurtured “imaginary arguments” or revenge fantasies? (venial; grave if they lead to serious desire for harm)
• Lost my temper or yelled at others in disproportionate ways? (venial unless accompanied by serious injury or scandal)

With myself, have I… 

• Turned anger inward by cursing myself, despising myself, or refusing to accept my weakness? (venial; could be grave if it leads to despair)
• Complained bitterly or refused to carry daily crosses with faith (CCC 1435)? (venial)
• Been resentful of illness, setbacks, or suffering rather than uniting them to Christ? (venial)

Lust

Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure, separated from its procreative and unitive purpose (CCC 2351). Jesus warned: “Whoever looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

With God, have I… 

• * Knowingly and willfully rejected the Church’s teaching on marriage, chastity, or sexuality? (grave matter)
• * Forsaken the Sacrament of Matrimony by entering into invalid unions (e.g., marriage outside the Church, polygamy, polyandry)? (grave matter)
• Idolized sex, beauty, or relationships in place of God? (venial unless it leads to grave acts)

With others, have I… 

• * Used contraception, abortifacients, procured or assisted in abortion, or supported euthanasia? (grave matter, CCC 2270–72, 2370)
• * Committed adultery, fornication, or other sexual activity outside of marriage? (grave matter)
• * Committed rape, sexual assault, or engaged in prostitution (buying or selling sexual acts)? (grave matter, gravely sinful always)
• * Engaged in unnatural sexual acts (e.g., anal sex, oral sex outside of marital foreplay, intentional withdrawal/onanism)? (grave matter)
• Failed to love and honour my spouse faithfully, fully, fruitfully, and freely, as Christ loves the Church? (venial unless gravely violated by infidelity, abuse, or sterilization)
• Pursued emotional intimacy with another in a way that endangered my marriage or theirs? (venial if light flirtation; grave if seriously endangering fidelity)
• Dressed or acted with the deliberate intention of arousing others (spouses excepted)? (grave if intended to lead another into serious sin; venial if careless)
• Kissed or touched another passionately for the purpose of arousal (spouses excepted)? (grave matter if deliberate outside marriage)
• Allowed another to touch me sexually (spouses excepted)? (grave matter)
• Aroused sexual desire in myself or others through impure kissing, embracing, or touching? (grave matter if deliberate and outside marriage)
• Failed to guard my eyes and looked at others lustfully, treating them as objects? (grave if done willfully and with full consent; venial if fleeting)
• Entertained lustful thoughts or fantasies? (grave if fully consented to for arousal; venial if fleeting or resisted)
• Willingly listened to or shared impure jokes or stories? (venial unless gravely scandalous)
• Made sexually suggestive remarks or comments? (venial unless gravely scandalous)
  

With myself, have I… 

• * Viewed pornography (internet, TV, books, magazines, etc.) with full consent, for lustful pleasure? (grave matter, CCC 2354)
• * Committed masturbation? (grave matter, CCC 2352; excludes nocturnal emissions since no consent)
• * Participated in in-vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, or donated sperm or ovum? (grave matter, CCC 2376–77)
• * Supported or engaged in human cloning? (grave matter, CCC 2377)
• * Supported or engaged in “selective reduction” of unborn children, or surrogate motherhood? (grave matter, CCC 2376)
• Dressed immodestly to tempt others? (venial unless deliberate intent to cause grave sin)
• Used vulgar, obscene, or sexually suggestive language? (venial)

Envy

Envy is a disordered sadness at another person’s possessions, qualities, or blessings. St. James warns: “For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16).

With God, have I… 

• Been bitter or resentful toward Him for not giving me what I desired? (ordinarily venial; * grave if it hardens into rejection of faith or despair of His providence)
• Avoided prayer out of jealousy or sadness over what others received? (venial; * grave only if it leads to a willful rejection of God’s goodness or refusal to trust Him)

With others, have I… 

• Envied another’s abilities, talents, looks, possessions, money, friends, or family? (venial; grave if it leads to deliberate hatred or serious injustice)
  Damaged another’s reputation through gossip, lies, or exaggeration out of envy? (grave matter if serious harm is done to reputation, livelihood, or relationships; venial if slight or careless)
• Failed to defend another’s reputation because of jealousy? (ordinarily venial)
• Taken secret pleasure in another’s misfortune? (venial; grave if it involves active hatred or desire for serious harm)
• Idolized another’s status, possessions, or talents instead of rejoicing in God’s gifts to them? (venial)

With myself, have I… 

• Been preoccupied with what I lack instead of thanking God for what I have? (venial)
• Constantly compared myself with others, feeding resentment or discouragement? (venial; grave if it leads to despair or hatred of self/others)
• Tried to exalt myself spiritually or socially out of jealousy for another’s progress? (venial)
• Lied or exaggerated to make myself look better in comparison to others? (grave matter if it causes serious harm; venial if trivial)

Gluttony

Gluttony is a disordered love of eating, drinking, or other material goods. Jesus said, “The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:35).

• Note: Minor overindulgence is usually a venial sin. However, grave excess—such as drunkenness, drug abuse, reckless neglect of health, or serious indifference to the hungry—can be mortal sin if done with full knowledge and deliberate consent (CCC 1857–1859).

With God, have I… 

• Neglected fasting or self-denial, especially on Fridays? (venial)
• Failed to abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent? (venial unless done with contempt for the Church’s law)
• Failed to observe the Eucharistic fast (one hour before Holy Communion)? (venial unless deliberate and done out of contempt)
• Given in to “spiritual gluttony” by compulsively buying spiritual goods (books, devotions, sacramentals) without using them well? (venial)

With others, have I… 

• Eaten greedily or without consideration for others at table? (venial)
• Failed to share food, resources, or money with those in need? (venial; mortal if neglect showed serious indifference to grave need)
• Refused to help the hungry when I was truly able, showing indifference to their suffering? (mortal if serious)

With myself, have I… 

• Spent excessive money, time, or energy on food, drink, or comforts? (venial)
• Been overly picky or demanding about food, drink, or surroundings? (venial)
• Consumed food or drink that harmed my body merely to satisfy cravings? (venial if minor; * mortal if it causes serious damage to health or life)
• Consumed more than my body needs, leading to unhealthy weight or habits? (venial if moderate; * mortal if it gravely harms health)
• Been wasteful with food, drink, or other material things? (venial, * mortal if the waste is serious, deliberate, and deprives others of basic needs).
• Neglected proper care of body, mind, or spirit as temples of the Holy Spirit? (venial; * mortal if it causes grave harm)
  
• * Consumed alcohol excessively, to the point of intoxication? (mortal)
• * Used illegal drugs or intentionally abused prescription drugs? (mortal)
• * Driven while impaired by alcohol or drugs, endangering myself or others? (mortal)

Avarice

Avarice is a disordered love of worldly goods, placing wealth or possessions above God, charity, and justice. Jesus warned: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

👉 Guiding principle: Most sins of avarice are venial when they involve minor selfishness, greed, or waste. They become grave matter (mortal sin) when they cause serious harm to others, involve significant theft or fraud, or replace trust in God with attachment to wealth.

With God, have I… 

• Neglected to give generously of my time, talent, or treasure to Him? (venial)
• Been resentful of my lack of money or resources? (venial)
• Idolized wealth and security above God? (* grave if it replaces trust in God)
• * Stolen something consecrated to God or from a sacred place? (* must be done knowingly and willfully). 

With others, have I… 

• Failed to give generously to those in need when I was able? (venial; * grave if neglect deprived others of urgent necessities)
• Given resentfully, without love? (venial)
• Used others for personal gain? (venial; * grave if it causes serious harm)
• Shown indifference to the needs of others? (venial; * grave if involving neglect of dependents)
• Failed to contribute to the well-being of parents, family, or those entrusted to my care? (* grave if serious neglect; venial if minor)
• * Willfully failed to pay just wages or justly compensate others for goods/services? (grave)
• * Taken another person’s property (theft)? (grave if value significant; venial if trivial)
• * Refused restitution for damage caused by my fault or negligence? (grave if harm is serious; venial if minor)
• * Committed fraud, forgery, tax evasion, blackmail, embezzlement, price fixing, piracy of software/media, or slavery/cruelty to animals? (grave)

With myself, have I… 

• Wasted money on unnecessary luxuries? (venial; grave if it deprived dependents of necessities)
• Spent extravagantly out of vanity, comfort, or pride? (venial)
• * Gambled excessively, risking family support or obligations? (grave)
• * Stolen a large sum of money or a valuable item? (grave)
• Stolen something small or inexpensive? (venial)
• * Cheated, stolen, or failed to pay debts/bills? (grave if serious; venial if minor)
• Given only when convenient, avoiding sacrificial generosity? (venial)
• Been overly attached to wealth, security, or comfort? (venial tendency; * grave if it replaces God as my ultimate trust)

Sloth

Sloth is sorrow or indifference toward spiritual goods, leading to neglect of God, duty, or love. Jesus warned: “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown” (Matthew 25:26).

With God, have I… 

• * Missed Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation without a just reason (e.g., illness, caring for infants/sick)? (grave matter)
• Done unnecessary work on Sunday, treating it like an ordinary day (venial; *grave if it seriously violates rest/worship)
• Put friendships, ambition, sports, hobbies, or comfort ahead of God (venial; *grave if it leads to abandoning Him entirely)
• Been so absorbed in worldly things that I neglected God (venial; *grave if it causes loss of faith)
• Allowed bad company or fear to weaken or cause me to abandon my faith (*grave if deliberate loss of faith/piety)
• Failed to prepare prayerfully before Mass or give thanks afterward (venial)
• Arrived late to Mass without good reason, missing a significant part (*grave if intentionally missed most of Mass; venial if small portion)
• Been inattentive, irreverent, or distracted at Mass (venial)
• Neglected daily prayer or skipped my prayer schedule without cause (venial; *grave if habitual neglect leading to loss of relationship with God)
• Neglected to learn the teachings of the Church (venial)
• Been lazy in devotions (Scripture, spiritual reading, Rosary, etc.) (venial)
• Left prayer early or deliberately allowed my mind to wander (venial)
• Avoided prayer, especially in temptation (venial; *grave if it leads directly to mortal sin)
• *Received Holy Communion knowingly in a state of mortal sin (grave matter; sacrilege)
• *Received Confirmation or Matrimony knowingly in a state of mortal sin (grave matter; sacrilege)
• *Neglected to confess mortal sins at least once a year (grave matter; precept of the Church)
• *Needlessly delayed Confession when conscious of mortal sin (grave if knowingly remained unrepentant; venial if minor delay without malice)
• Unnecessarily delayed baptizing my child beyond the first weeks/months after birth, without a serious reason (grave matter).
• Fallen into despair, doubting God’s mercy or grace (venial if fleeting discouragement; *grave if deliberate rejection of God’s mercy)

With others, have I… 

• Been lazy in helping those in need? (venial; *grave if neglect causes serious harm)
• Expected others to serve me while refusing to contribute? (venial)
• Scandalized others by my laziness or bad example? (venial; *grave if it leads another into serious sin)
• Failed to defend the Church when mocked? (venial unless it involves public denial of faith, which is *grave)
• Wasted others’ time or dishonoured them by habitual lateness or lack of commitment? (venial)
• Pressured others to break the Sabbath rest by unnecessary demands? (venial; *grave if serious harm)
• Neglected my family’s needs through laziness or indifference? (venial; *grave if persistent and serious)
• Been too lax or too harsh with discipline, failing in justice or charity? (venial; *grave if causing serious harm)
• Broken just civil laws without serious reason? (*grave if serious matter: e.g., tax fraud, reckless driving endangering life; venial if minor infractions)
• * Seriously neglected my children’s religious formation (teaching them prayer, faith, sacraments)? (grave matter)
• Failed to set a good Christian example for my children? (venial unless it causes serious scandal)
• Failed to carry out the just last will of deceased parents? (*grave if deliberate and unjust)

With myself, have I… 

• * Attempted suicide or seriously entertained suicidal thoughts (grave matter; note: mental illness can lessen culpability, CCC 2282–2283)
• Neglected honest work or responsibilities out of laziness (venial; *grave if it caused serious harm to others)
• Failed to observe proper rest and recreation on Sunday (venial)
• Neglected necessary medicine or health care (venial if minor; *grave if it endangered life)
• Wasted time excessively on phone, TV, gaming, or internet instead of duties (venial; *grave if it seriously harmed obligations)
• Focused only on pleasure and resisted sacrifice in daily life (venial)
• Listened habitually to degrading or spiritually harmful music (venial; *grave if it led to grave sin)
• Binge-watched or gamed excessively to neglect duties (venial; *grave if it caused serious neglect)
• Driven carelessly (venial; *grave if reckless and endangering life)
• Procrastinated schoolwork, chores, or duties (venial; *grave if the neglect caused serious consequences)

Exercise #2: Prayers to Heal the 7 Deadly Sins

General Instructions

The text in bold is strongly recommended to pray out loud. The words in plain text are optional additions you may include if they resonate with what you identified in your examination of conscience.

As you pray, remember: some terms like fear, guilt, sadness, or anger do not simply mean normal human emotions, but rather unhealthy patterns of response that can block your freedom in Christ.

Renunciations are always made in the name of Jesus. The moment you call upon His name, Jesus is present at your side. And when you renounce any spirit of sin or bondage, He extends His divine authority and, with a single command, drives it out.

Pride

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of pride and any idolatry of myself above God and others. 
• I renounce self-righteousness, self-deception, and self-promotion. 
• I renounce rebellion and disobedience.
• I renounce self-justification, comparison, perfectionism, striving, and stubbornness.
• I renounce arrogance, superiority, willfulness, argumentativeness, division, and accusation.
• I renounce control, self-reliance, independence, and self-sufficiency.
• I renounce religious pride and false religiosity (e.g., intellectual pride, family name, or any other area of spiritual pride).
• I renounce judgment, criticism, accusation, comparison, and insecurity.

I ask for your forgiveness Lord…

And in the name of Jesus, 

• I choose to live by the virtue of humility.

Anger

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of anger, and any idolatry of power, control or justice. 
• I renounce all bitterness, judgments, and retaliation.
• I renounce resentment, unforgiveness, revenge, hatred, rage, violence, and murder.
• I renounce racism, prejudice, false judgment, stereotyping, superiority, pride, insecurity, fear, and comparison.

I ask for your forgiveness Lord…

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to live by the virtue of forgiveness.

Bonus: Are there any people you need to forgive… Ask Jesus right now… Jesus, are there any people I need to forgive… or forgive again…?

Exercise for Forgiveness of Others

• Ask Jesus: “Lord, are there any people I need to forgive… or forgive again?”
• Bring to mind the seven deadly sins you confessed, and the people tied to those wounds.
• Picture Jesus on the Cross looking to His Father and saying: “Father, forgive ____; they did not know what they were doing.”
• Bring the person beside you at Calvary. Place them between you and Mary.
• Allow yourself to feel the pain of how they hurt you. Share that pain with Jesus and Mary.
• Now picture Jesus looking at that person and saying again: “Father, forgive ____; he/she did not know what he/she was doing.”
• Hear Jesus and Mary look at you with love. Out loud, say: “In the name of Jesus, I forgive ____ for ____.”
• Picture the soldier piercing Christ’s Sacred Heart. The blood and water gush forth, washing you and the other person clean. Thank Jesus for His mercy and healing.

Lust

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of lust, and any idolatry of sex or relationships. 
• I renounce all immorality, fornication, adultery, pornography, and every form of impurity.
• I renounce homosexual encounters, adultery, rape, incest, and every distortion of God’s design.
• I renounce worthlessness, victim identity, powerlessness, helplessness, and self-pity.

I ask for your forgiveness Lord…

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to live by the virtue of chastity.

Envy

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

• I renounce the sin of envy, and any idolatry of position or status. 
• I renounce jealousy, selfishness, coveting, and greed.
• I renounce bringing others down in thought, word, or deed because of envy.

I ask for your forgiveness Lord, 

And in the name of Jesus Christ, I choose to live by the virtue of kindness.

Gluttony

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of gluttony, and any idolatry of food, drink or drugs. 
• I renounce all self-indulgence and false comfort through what I take into my body.
• I renounce addictions—alcoholism, nicotine, drugs, and the idol of food.

I ask your forgiveness Lord… 

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to live by the virtue of temperance.

Avarice

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of avarice, and any idolatry of security, wealth or money. 
• I renounce hoarding, stealing, greed, and using others for my own gain.
  

I ask your forgiveness Lord…

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to live by the virtue of charity. 

Sloth

In the name of Jesus, 

• I renounce the sin of sloth, and my idolatry of ease and false comfort. 
• I renounce laziness, apathy, discouragement, and giving up when life gets difficult.

I ask for your forgiveness Lord…

And in the name of Jesus, I choose to live by the virtue of fortitude.

General Rejection of all 7 Deadly Sins

In the name, power, and authority of Jesus, I renounce and reject all unclean spirits that may be afflicting me. I renounce the sins of pride, anger, lust, envy, gluttony, avarice, sloth, and I renounce any affection I have retained for them. I reject the empty promises of Satan and I refuse to be mastered by sin. I hereby offer to God every disordered attachment that keeps me from Him and choose to live in the freedom of the children of God. Amen.

Resources Used (with permission):

• Examination of Conscience based on the 7 Deadly Sins by Fr. Dylan James
• Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts
• Examination of Conscience by Word on Fire 
• Fr. Robert Altier’s Examination of Conscience.
• Msgr. Charles Pope: www.blog.adw.org