A Priest’s Prayer Before Hearing Confessions

O LORD Jesus, I desire and intend to administer this holy sacrament of penance in union with that all-transcending love wherewith thou didst sanctify it, when, constrained by thine eager desire of our salvation, thou didst institute it and appoint it to be administered by thy Apostles and by their successors, for the glory of thy holy name and the salvation of the whole human race, beseeching thee that through thy unspeakable love, it may work in me, and in those to whom I shall now administer it, increase of salvation and of everlasting blessedness. May the grace of the holy Spirit so enlighten, inflame, and guard my senses and my heart that I may be enabled to discharge this my commanded ministry according to thy adorable will, and be fortified and defended against every assault of temptation. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.