Whether we are seeking forgiveness for our own sins or asking God to help us forgive others, prayer is the first place to start when seeking restoration and healing. The below prayers can help guide your thoughts and words as you seek being forgiven or help in forgiving others. It is a big step to seek out forgiveness and you have taken a bold step in faith!
Before we jump into specific prayers for forgiveness, you may want to take some time to consider what God commands of us concerning forgiveness and why it’s so critical to be able to forgive. Visit our article: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
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Prayer of Forgiveness: A Valuable Gift
A prayer of forgiveness is something we all seek at some point in life. Forgiveness is a valuable gift that is neither easily obtained, nor easily given. Forgiveness is essential for life; it frees us from past wrongs and gives us hope for the future. It is for forgiveness sake that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for mankind.
Prayer of Forgiveness: Made Possible by Jesus Christ
The prayer of forgiveness is a prayer that is offered up to God. Though we may directly hurt each other, all of our trespasses ultimately hurt God. You may wonder how this is possible. How can our shortcomings hurt the omnipotent Creator of the universe? Does God even care? In Genesis 6, we find that God Himself actually grieved over all the wrongs that man had inflicted upon each other: “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6).
All knowing, God grieves even at the mere thought of evil. Thus, ultimate forgiveness must also come from God. However, because of His justice, forgiveness cannot be freely given. Every wrong must be accounted for in order for God to be a just judge. Jesus Christ died on the cross at Calvary in our place so that our sins may be forgiven. His suffering paid for our transgressions. “For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
In His love, God knew that our conscience needed to be freed from guilt and condemnation. He knew that forgiveness of sins was our greatest need. In the ultimate act of love, God not only suffered the pain of our wrongs, but also paid for their consequences in order that we may have forgiveness offered to us when we sin. All we need to do is to accept His free gift of forgiveness.
Prayer of Forgiveness: Ask God for Forgiveness
Perhaps you have stumbled upon this web page looking for a prayer of forgiveness to soothe a tormented soul. Or maybe you are struggling with trying to forgive another for deeply hurting you. For all who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, forgiveness has been freely given. If we acknowledge our wrongs and ask for forgiveness, God will forgive us – no questions asked: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
If we reject Jesus, in essence, we reject God’s gift of forgiveness. We are in fact saying that we do not wish to be reconciled with God (1 John 1:10). Though it is our free choice to not accept forgiveness from God, we will ultimately be accountable for all the sins we have committed at the end of this life. It is God’s deep desire to be reconciled with you. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). If you desire to be truly forgiven, consider what Jesus said and sincerely accept Him as your Lord and Savior. You will be forgiven and God will begin a transforming work in your life.
Prayer of Forgiveness: Receive a New Life
The prayer of forgiveness gives us a new hope and a new beginning. All our sins are wiped away by God. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
If you understand that you are a sinner, and you believe that Jesus Christ came as the one and only Redeemer of sin, then you understand the prayer of forgiveness. The question is – are you ready to implement the prayer, by receiving God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ? If so, believe in Christ, repent of your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him as Lord:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God’s family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
- Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
- Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
- Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
- Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
- Find a local gathering where you can worship God.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK?
– We have all
sinned
and deserve God’s judgment.
God
, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him.
Jesus
, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He
died
for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was
buried
, and
rose from the dead
according to the
Bible
. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your
Savior
, declaring, “
Jesus is Lord
,” you will be saved from
judgment
and spend eternity with God in heaven.
What is your response?
Yes, today I am deciding to follow JesusYes, I am already a follower of JesusI still have questions
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A Prayer for Forgiveness
When You Need Forgiveness
Lord, you are a forgiving God. So I come today asking for your forgiveness. Father, my desire is to do your will, to be more like you, and to please you in every way.
Father I know that you hate sin, but I thank you that you love me unconditionally despite the wrong I may do.
I know that it is your desire that I be holy as you are holy. So Father I ask that you would wash me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
Forgive me for using my words as weapons instead of for encouragement. Forgive me for any thoughts that caused you shame.
Forgive me if I repaid evil for evil instead of doing good.
Search my heart oh God, and reveal to me anything that is not pleasing to you.
(Take a moment right here and listen to what God reveals to you. If God brings any sin to your mind include it in your prayer)
Thank you Father for forgiving me, for washing and cleansing me. Thank you for loving me even when I fall short of your glory.
Thank you Lord that you keep no record of my wrong. Thank you that I am a new creature through Christ Jesus.
I love you Father and I know that you love me. I will bless your name forever more, Amen.
A Prayer for Forgiveness
When You Need To Forgive
Lord, you said in your word that I must forgive If I want you to forgive me. So Father I ask you now to heal me of the hurt that I’m feeling. Help me to stop replaying the events over in my mind, and instead think on you.
Father, I realize that you know my pain and your desire is that I be restored.
So Father I give the pain over to you now, for you said I should cast all my cares upon you. Today I lay it down and vow not to pick it back up.
I thank you God that you will walk with me through this process of forgiving. I thank you that you will never leave nor forsake me.
Now Father, I pray for my offender(s) because you said we should pray for our enemies and those who spitefully use us.
I pray that you draw them into a closer relationship with you. I pray your protection upon them.
I pray that you would even prosper them in all that they set their hands to do.
Thank you Father for releasing me from the spirit of unforgiveness. Thank you for continuing to forgive me as I forgive others. Thank you that I hold no bitterness, malice, or resentment in my heart. Thank you that I am whole. In Jesus name, Amen.
Note: Forgiving is a process, especially when you have been deeply wounded. Pray this prayer daily if you need to forgive. Pray it until you stop replaying the event in your mind. Pray it until you no longer hurt.
Finished Reading The Prayer For Forgiveness? What Next?
Forgiveness Scriptures
Here’s a complete listing of scriptures about forgiveness.
Forgiveness Poems
You’ll love this collection of forgiveness poems.
Self Forgiveness
God has already forgiven you. Isn’t it time you forgave yourself.
Forgiveness Quotes
Read these inspirational forgiveness quotes.
How to Forgive
Learn about forgiveness and how to do it.
More Prayers for Forgiveness
Visit this wonderful site by our friend, Katherine Owen to learn more about praying for forgiveness.
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