Three prayers to ask God's forgiveness sincerely, receive his grace and find the strength to forgive those who have hurt you.
Pick a categoryThis page is for anyone carrying the weight of a wrong, or struggling to forgive a wound. Asking forgiveness means admitting your sin before God and receiving his grace in Jesus Christ. Forgiving means choosing, with his help, to let go of resentment. Pray honestly, without justifying yourself.
Father, I come to you with my sin. I admit that I have done wrong, in my thoughts, my words and my actions. I am not looking for excuses. I ask your forgiveness, because you are faithful and just to forgive when I confess. Thank you that Jesus carried my guilt on the cross. Wash me, cleanse my heart and give me back the joy of salvation. Help me change what needs to change and walk in your light. In Jesus' name, amen.
1 John 1:9
Lord, you know the wound I carry. This person hurt me, and I struggle to let go of my anger. But you have forgiven me so much more. I choose to forgive, even if my feelings have not caught up yet. Heal my heart, take away the bitterness and give me your peace. I entrust this person to you and I give up any desire for revenge. Help me see them with your compassion. I cannot do this alone, but with you it is possible. Amen.
Colossians 3:13
Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. You have wiped out my faults and you remember them no more. I no longer have to hide or drag my shame behind me. Thank you for your patience with me, day after day. Help me live in the freedom you have given me, and make me quick to forgive as you forgive me. May my life tell those around me about your goodness. I praise you for your mercy that lasts forever. To you be the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm 103:12
« 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
I proclaim that if I confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I am washed by his grace.
« And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. »
Ephesians 4:32
I declare that I choose kindness and compassion. I forgive others as God in Christ forgave me, and I walk in freedom.
« As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. »
Psalm 103:12
I proclaim that God has removed my transgressions as far as the east is from the west. My past no longer defines me.
« Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. »
Colossians 3:13
I declare that I bear with others patiently and forgive those who have wronged me, just as Christ forgave me first.
« Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. »
Isaiah 1:18
I proclaim that though my sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow through the grace of God. He restores me completely.
Admit your sin before him, without justifying yourself, and ask forgiveness in the name of Jesus. The Bible promises that God is faithful and just to forgive the one who confesses. There is no required formula: a sincere prayer is enough, along with a willingness to change.
Forgiving is first a decision, not a feeling. You can make it before God even if the pain remains, and ask him to heal your heart little by little. Forgiving does not mean excusing the wrong or returning to blind trust. It means giving up resentment.
The Bible teaches that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin for the one who repents and believes in him. No fault is too great for his grace. If you feel guilty, come to him with confidence: he welcomes you and lifts you up.