A Reminder: How to Make a Good Confession The four essential elements: contrition, confession, absolution, and satisfaction 1. Examine your conscience Reflect honestly on your sins since your last confession. This prepares the soul by identifying what separates us from God and opens the heart to grace. 2. Be truly sorry Ask God for the grace of contrition — sorrow for having offended Him, especially because He is all good and deserving of your love. True contrition is essential. Without it, forg