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An Act of Love

O Lord God, I love you above all things,
and I love my neighbor for your sake
because you are the highest,
the infinite, and perfect good,
worthy of all my love.
In this love, I intend to live and die. Amen.

An Act of Love

The Act of Love prayer is a concise yet impactful expression of our love for God and our commitment to loving and forgiving others. This prayer is often used in personal devotion, the sacrament of reconciliation, and as a preparation for receiving the Eucharist. It serves as a powerful reminder of the central role of love in the Christian faith, encouraging us to grow continuously in our love for God and our neighbour.


Known as the Act of Love or the Act of Charity, this traditional Catholic prayer has been cherished for centuries. While its exact origins remain uncertain, it likely emerged as a heartfelt way for Catholics to express their devotion to God and their dedication to living a life rooted in love and service.


The prayer reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasised that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). In its simplicity, the Act of Love captures these principles, calling us to place love for God above all else, to love our neighbours as ourselves, and to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation with those we have wronged.

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