How to Do a Thorough Examination of Conscience (Deep Dive)

Most of us prepare for Confession in the car on the way to church, quickly scanning the Ten Commandments: "Did I kill anyone? No. Did I steal a bank? No. Okay, I guess I was impatient with my kids. Good enough."

This is better than nothing, but it misses the point. Confession is not just about incident management; it is about heart transformation. To truly grow, we need to look deeper — not just at what we did, but why we did it and who we are becoming.

This guide provides a thorough, deep-dive examination of conscience based on the Seven Deadly Sins and Your State in Life, designed to help you make a life-changing Confession.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me." — Psalm 139:23-24

Before You Begin

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit for light. We cannot see our own sins clearly without grace.
Be Honest, Not Scrupulous: The goal is truth, not beating yourself up. God convicts us to heal us, not to shame us.
Look for Patterns: Don't just list events ("I yelled"). Look for roots ("I yell because I need to be in control").

Deep Dive: The Seven Deadly Sins

1. Pride (The Root of All Sin)

Do I judge others? Do I think I am smarter, holier, or better than them?
Do I refuse to apologize? Do I make excuses when corrected?
Do I seek attention, praise, or validation constantly?
Do I trust my own intellect more than the Church's teaching?
Do I pray only when I want something, treating God like a vending machine?
Root: Believing I am the center of the universe.

2. Avarice (Greed)

Is money my primary security?
Do I give generously to the poor and the Church (tithing), or do I give only leftovers?
Do I judge people by their wealth or status?
Do I hoard possessions I don't need?
Do I cheat on taxes or in business dealings?
Root: Trusting things rather than God.

3. Lust

Do I view pornography? (This is a grave sin).
Do I entertain impure fantasies?
Do I objectify people, looking at them as bodies for my pleasure rather than souls?
Do I dress or act to provoke lust in others?
(For married): Do I treat my spouse with love and respect in our intimacy, or selfishly? Do I use contraception?
Root: Desiring connection but settling for sensation.

4. Envy

Am I sad when others succeed? Am I happy when they fail?
Do I compare my life/house/job/kids to others on social media?
Do I gossip to lower others' reputation?
Do I feel "life is unfair" to me?
Root: Believing God loves others more than me.

5. Gluttony

Do I eat or drink to excess?
Do I use food, alcohol, or drugs to numb emotional pain?
Do I complain about food? Am I picky or demanding?
Do I fast when the Church requires it?
Root: Seeking comfort in creation rather than the Creator.

6. Wrath (Anger)

Do I hold grudges? Is there someone I refuse to forgive?
Do I have a "short fuse" with my family?
Do I use silent treatment as a weapon?
Do I curse or use verbal abuse in traffic or online?
Do I desire revenge?
Root: Believing I have the right to punish others.

7. Sloth (Acedia/Spiritual Laziness)

Do I miss Mass on Sundays or Holy Days?
Do I pray daily, or only when convenient?
Do I avoid difficult duties at work or home?
Do I spend hours on screens while neglecting my family or responsibilities?
Do I avoid sharing my faith because it's uncomfortable?
Root: Refusing the effort required to love.

Examination by State in Life

Different vocations have different duties.

For Married Couples

Have I put my spouse above my parents, friends, and career?
Have I been emotionally distant?
Have I criticized my spouse in front of others?
Have I been open to life?
Have I prayed with and for my spouse?

For Parents

Have I taught my children the faith?
Have I disciplined in anger or in love?
Have I spent quality time with them, or been distracted by my phone?
Have I set a good example of Christian living?

For Single People

Am I using my singleness to serve God, or just to serve myself?
am I dating virtuously?
Am I trusting God with my future, or being anxious and bitter?

For Students/Workers

Have I done my work diligently, as for the Lord?
Have I cheated or cut corners?
Have I been a source of peace or drama in my workplace/school?
Have I stood up for truth when challenged?

How to Confess These

You don't need to read this whole list to the priest! Group them. Example: "I struggle with Pride. I've been judging my coworkers and refusing to admit when I'm wrong. I also struggle with Sloth; I've spent hours on my phone instead of helping my wife with the kids."

FAQ

What is the difference between temptation and sin?

Temptation is when the thought offers itself ("Look at that image"). Sin is when you say "Yes" to it or linger on it. If you shake it off immediately, it is not a sin—it is a victory.

Do I have to confess venial sins?

Strictly speaking, no. But the Church strongly recommends it. Confessing venial sins helps us fight the roots of sin before they grow into mortal sins.

What if I'm not sure if it was a mortal sin?

Confess it anyway, and add "I'm not sure if this was mortal." The priest will help you discern.

I keep confessing the same things. Does that mean I'm not sorry?

Not necessarily. Deep-rooted habits take time to break. As long as you want to change and are trying, your confession is valid. God is patient. Don't give up.

A clean heart is a free heart. Take this list to the chapel, ask God for light, and experience the weightlessness of forgiveness. Find a Confession time near you on the MyPrayerTower app.