The Act of 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. Amen.
Traditional version from the Baltimore Catechism.
Pray the Act of Love every day with a reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercyKey takeaways
- Charity is the greatest of the theological virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13).
- This prayer includes forgiveness of others and asking pardon.
- It is often prayed with the Acts of Faith and Hope.
What is the Act of Love?
The Act of Love is a prayer that says Catholics love God above all and their neighbors as themselves. It echoes the two great commandments in Matthew 22:37-39. The Catechism calls charity "the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake" (CCC 1822).
When to pray it
Catholics pray it as part of morning or evening prayer, before Communion or Confession, and whenever they need to forgive someone.
Questions people ask
Why does it mention forgiveness?
Love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated. Jesus ties God's forgiveness of us to our forgiveness of others (Matthew 6:14-15).
Is love a feeling?
In the Church's sense, love is first an act of the will: choosing the good of another. Feelings may follow, or not (CCC 1766).
Why is love called the greatest virtue?
Faith and hope will pass away when we see God, but love remains (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; CCC 1826).
Related prayers
Pray through what you are reading, every day, with a gentle reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercySources: Matthew 22:37-39 · 1 Corinthians 13 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 1822-1829 · Baltimore Catechism