God, whom we worship and adore, is merciful. He created us, saved us, and gave us His unconditional love. He just wants what is best for us, and we are always in His thoughts. We do, however, sin. We stray from Him, exposing ourselves to the heinous crimes that this world has to offer. For one reason, God insists on forgiving us: love.
We are sinners, as Romans 5:18 reminds us. Even so, God’s unconditional love was proven by Jesus Christ’s willing sacrifice for and because of our sins. With these twenty-five powerful petitions for forgiveness, remember the Lord’s mercy and return to His arms in faith and repentance.
Let us pray for you at the holiest site on earth, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, if you are in need of prayer, whether it be for forgiveness or direction in your own life or in the life of someone you love. We are confident that sending your prayer to the location where our Lord Jesus Christ gave his life for us would aid in the fulfilment of your wish! It is a pleasure and privilege for us to be your prayer warriors and to beg the Lord to continually watch over, protect, and keep you.
Prayer is the first place to start when seeking restoration and healing, whether we’re seeking forgiveness for our own faults or asking God to help us forgive others. The prayers below can direct your thoughts and words when you seek forgiveness or assistance in forgiving others. Seeking forgiveness is a significant step, and you’ve taken a big step in faith!
Before we go into specific forgiveness prayers, it’s a good idea to think about what God expects of us in terms of forgiveness and why it’s so important to be able to forgive. See What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? for more information. We’ve also downloaded a lovely PDF version of these prayers for you to keep with you while you seek God’s love and grace.
We are called to be more Christ-like as Christians. Jesus gave his life on the cross in order to atone for the sins of the entire human race. Christ desires that we forgive one another for our sins and demonstrate the grace that God has lavished upon us. These powerful prayers for sin forgiveness and other blessings can help you find peace in your heart.
At some point in our lives, we all seek forgiveness through prayer. Forgiveness is a priceless gift that is hard to come by and much harder to give. Forgiveness is necessary for survival; it liberates us from past wrongs and provides us hope for the future. Jesus Christ came to earth to die for people for the cause of forgiveness.
Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Micah 7:18-19 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Mark 11:25 – And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Luke 17:3-4 – So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Please pardon my sin. Prayer
Thank you, loving Father, for forgiving my sin at the cross. You promised that my sins would be expunged as far east as the east is from the west. As I consider the numerous times I have failed to do the right thing, I come to you in repentance and faith, trusting that Jesus’ blood has washed away all of my sins. Give me confidence that I am clothed in your righteousness and blameless in your sight. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Redemption and Mercy
Thank you for being loyal to keep all of your promises, Lord, my Rock and Redeemer. Your word declares that via Jesus’ blood, I have redemption and forgiveness of sins according to the riches of your grace. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sins and redeeming me of all my failures. Remind me that your mercy is new every day, and teach me to trust in it. Despite the depths of my sin and shame, your grace is far greater. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer nailed to the Cross
Thank you, Mighty God, that you will never abandon or abandon me. I have transgressed against you and others. You have promised that if I confess my wrongdoing, you will forgive it and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Thank you for proving to me that you can always be counted on to deliver on your promises. Thank you for nailing all of my sins to the cross with Jesus, so I don’t have to bear them anymore. Lord, hear my request for forgiveness today and help me to live my life for you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Mercy
Thank you, Everlasting Father, for being gracious and forgiving to your people, even if we have sinned against you. I’ve turned away from you many times in order to try to control my own life. I’ve sinned in thought, word, and deed, but your grace outweighs my transgressions. Your love is greater than my defiance. You told me that when I place my trust in you, my faith will never be put to the test. Lord, forgive me and direct my words, thoughts, and actions today so that I may live in a way that honors you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of No Condemnation
Thank you, compassionate Father, for forgiving me and giving me the gift of rich, eternal life. You’ve claimed to be the God who forgives my crimes and forgets about my transgressions. Release me from sorrow and shame when I am reminded of my past shortcomings. Jesus has entirely paid off my debt. I am no longer subject to condemnation, blame, or humiliation. Allow the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life to convert me into your likeness. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer to Purify Me
You are the God who redeems and saves his people, faithful Father. Help me to look to you when I’m overwhelmed by shame. You have stated that you will settle the case – that my sins, though scarlet, will be as white as snow; that my sins, while red as crimson, will be as wool. Remind me that you have purged me and that the curse of sin no longer has sway over me. You never fail to forgive me, even when I make mistakes. May I spend the rest of my life singing praises to you? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness of My Sin
There is no god like you, Mighty God. You pardon sin and forgive your people’s trespasses. You don’t stay furious indefinitely, but you do enjoy showing mercy. You will have compassion on me once more, treading my sins beneath your feet and casting all my transgressions into the depths of the sea. I don’t deserve your love, but you freely give it to me as a grace gift. May I find peace in your embrace, free of criticism and censure? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for assisting me in finding complete forgiveness in you. I’ll admit that I’ve looked elsewhere for the kind of fulfilment that only you can deliver. I admit that I did not love you with all of my heart, mind, soul, and might. I admit that I have acted selfishly and failed to love others. I admit that I haven’t shown my love to people who are close to me. I apologise and beg your pardon. Because of your dying on the cross, my failures, selfishness, and pride have been forgiven. Lord, give me the strength to change and live more like you. In the name of your greatness. Amen.
Prayer of Repentance
Greetings, Lord God! I’ve sinned against you and done wrong in your eyes. I apologise and apologise again. Please have mercy on me in accordance with your love. Cleanse me from my sin and wash away my wickedness. Fill me with the joy of your salvation and renew a right heart inside me. To the joy and glory of your name, pardon my sin and restore me in your likeness. O Lord, my God, hear my prayer. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer to Save Me from Judgment
O Lord, my God, I have ignored your summons and mandate because of my wrongdoing. My feelings for you are like a dawn haze or a dew that evaporates quickly. Have mercy on me; save me from the wrath of the law; heal my wounds and restore my health. You are the all-powerful God who sent his only Son into the world to redeem sinners. Please hear my confessional prayer and grant me forgiveness and serenity now and forever. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer to Transform My Heart
I confess that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, most merciful God, Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. I haven’t loved you completely, and I haven’t loved my neighbour as much as myself. I’ve disobeyed your orders and turned down your love. Please forgive me and transform my heart in your mercy. Empower me to imitate Christ through your Holy Spirit. My God, please help me to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pray for me to be forgiven and restored.
Father Almighty, Like a lost sheep, I frequently wander away and stray from your path. I have followed my own heart’s desires. I’ve left things undone that I should have done, and I’ve done things that I shouldn’t have done. You, on the other hand, O Lord of Mercy, are the Good Shepherd who seeks lost sheep. Please forgive me and restore me in accordance with your never-failing promises. To the honor of your holy name, assist me in living a righteous and godly life. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for a New Life
Thank you, Almighty God, for being gracious and compassionate, slow to wrath, and abundant in steadfast love. I humbly confess to you that I have disobeyed and disregarded your commandments. Others have been harmed by my acts, words, and thoughts. God, forgive me and raise me to new life through Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Almighty God, please have pity on me, pardon my sins, and grant me eternal life. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please forgive me for my transgressions
Thank you, Lord. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve let you down and sinned against you and others. Despite the fact that there is a long list of allegations levelled against me, I applaud you that every one of them can be forgiven because of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. My sins will not be used against me because they have all been laid on Christ. Please help me to overcome my sin and to live a life worthy of you. As my loving and compassionate king, rule over me. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Shamelessness
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being aware of my every need. You forgive me when I make mistakes. You are gracious to me when I fall. You are sympathetic while I am in pain. You track me down when I stray. You remain true to me even though I am unfaithful to you. When I place my trust in you, your word says that my faith will never be put to the test. Allow me to put my complete trust in you and live a life free of shame. I can find all I require in you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for those who are prone to wandering
Thank you, loving Father, for having plans for me that are for my good and your glory. Even when I stray from your path, you pursue me and pull me back to you. Forgive me, Lord, for my transgressions. In Christ Jesus, you have promised that your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind. Remind me that I am at peace with you because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Allow that tranquillity to pervade my entire life. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for the Lamb of God
You declared, Lord Jesus Christ, that those who have been forgiven a great deal will love a great deal. I admit that I don’t always love you because I forget how much I’ve been forgiven. There has never been a day in my life when I did not require your forgiveness and grace. There has never been a day in my life when you haven’t been willing and able to forgive. I am grateful that you are the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin. I am grateful that you have freed me from the fear of death and given me the gift of eternal life. In the name of your greatness. Amen.
Prayer for the New Creation
Thank you, Creator God, for making me a new creation in Christ. The old has passed away, and the new has arrived. My guilt has been forgiven, and I have been declared righteous. My weakness has vanished, and I now possess your might. My guilt has vanished, and you have brought me delight. My heart has been set free and my chains have been removed! Through the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, you have given me new birth into a live hope in your great kindness. Allow my tongue to be overflowing with praise for you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of an Undivided Heart
Thank you, Lord, for being my Rock and Redeemer; you are my strength and my song, and you bring joy to my heart. I am grateful for your forgiveness and the grace you have extended to me throughout my life. Please refresh my thoughts and heart. Give me an undivided heart and a new spirit to live inside of me. Give me a fleshy heart instead of a stone one. Allow your Holy Spirit, who lives inside me, to empower me to mimic you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer to Assist Me in Forgiving
Thank you, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, for hearing and answering my prayers. You’ve told me that if I have anything against somebody, I should forgive them when I pray so that you’ll pardon my sins and hear my petition. Please pardon me for my misdeeds and assist me in forgiving those who have wronged me. Make me aware of any unforgiveness in my heart and provide me with the strength to forgive. Increase my faith so that I can freely forgive others as you have forgiven me. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
My Debt Has Been Paid
Everlasting Father, please forgive me for the suffering I have caused others. Jesus’ precious blood has completely paid up my debt. I am no longer under the curse of sin. Those whom the Son sets free are truly free. Assist me in living in that freedom. As you have forgiven me, please assist me in forgiving others. Because you have been nice to me, may I be gracious as well. May I be as sympathetic to others as you have been to me? Allow me to love others as you have loved me. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Grace Alone
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for pursuing me even though I had gone away from you. You have forsaken all of heaven’s riches to seek me out. You were the one who paid the price for my transgression. I have redemption and salvation because of your blood. I accept your righteousness since you died in my place. Through grace and grace alone, I receive new life in your resurrection. Awaken my soul, which has been resting for a long time. Please shine your loving light into my heart. By putting my faith in you, you can assist me in finishing my race. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Unwavering Love
You are a wonderful God, full of strength and glory, but because of your forgiveness and grace, I am able to approach you. You are the one who controls the skies and the stars, yet you reach down to bless me with your unwavering love. Thank you that I am a child of your promise, that you love me, that you have shown me everlasting compassion, and that I have been forgiven through Jesus’ sacrificial blood. You are able to turn tragedy into triumph and suffering into praise. I am overjoyed by your kind mercy. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mercy Prayer’s Depths
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for always being kind to me. You’re always looking out for my best interests. I’m sorry for the times that I’ve strayed from your path, forgetting your grace and chasing the world’s transient pleasures. Remind me of the depths of your mercy once more. My sin has been defeated by your death. When I wandered, you found a way for me to be welcomed back into your family. Fill my heart with love and my eyes with splendour so that I can live a life of happy obedience to you. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Unending Compassion
Father in Heaven, I praise you because your generosity and compassion know no bounds. I come to you on my knees, confessing my wrongdoing and believing that you will forgive me. Lord, please show me mercy once more and fill me with your love. Your love is greater than knowledge. Fear is lessened by your love. My heart is transformed by your love. I think you readily forgive and have an abundance of mercy. I think you hear me because of your grace, not because of my works. Lord, strengthen my faith so that my life reflects your glory to others. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Forgiveness of Sins Prayer to God
While I encourage you to pray this prayer, I must warn you that simply repeating the words will not rescue you. Prayer will not save you. Only Christ has the power to save. Prayer, on the other hand, can be a way of reaching out to God in true saving faith. Christ will save you if you pray these words in confidence. You can be certain of it.
I’ve kept you out of my life for far too long, Lord Jesus. I am well aware that I am a sinner who is unable to save myself. When I hear you knocking, I will no longer close the door. I gratefully accept your gift of salvation via faith. As my Lord and Savior, I am ready to put my faith in you. Thank you for coming to earth, Lord Jesus.
I believe you are the Son of God, who died for my sins on the cross and rose again on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and bestowing eternal life on me. I believe you are correct. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and be my Savior. Amen. If you recited this prayer in faith, you might wish to write your initials next to the prayer, along with the date, as a reminder that you came to Christ in faith, trusting him as your Lord and Savior.
Prayer for Others’ Forgiveness
Greetings, Merciful Lord! Thank you for the gift of forgiveness you’ve given me. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and suffer the most excruciating anguish possible in order for me to be forgiven. Despite my flaws and mistakes, your mercy flows to me. “Clothe yourselves in love, which links us all together in perfect harmony,” your Word says. (1 Corinthians 3:14) Help me today to show unconditional love to everyone, even those who have injured me.
Even though I am wounded, I recognize that my feelings do not have to rule my behaviour. May Your lovely words saturate my head and guide my thoughts, Father. Assist me in letting go of the hurt and learning to love as Jesus does. I want to see my offender through the eyes of my Savior. He, too, can be forgiven if I can. I understand that your love has no limits. We’re all your children, and you don’t want any of us to perish.
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts,” you say. (1 Corinthians 3:15) Allow your Holy Spirit to flood my heart with peace as I forgive in words. I pray that the serenity that only Jesus can give would reign in my heart, keeping doubt and questions at bay. And, most importantly, I am grateful.
Not just today, or even this week, but all of the time. “Always be thankful,” you said, and I appreciate that. (1 Corinthians 3:15) I may come closer to you and let go of unforgiveness if I am grateful. I may see the person who caused my sorrow as a child of the Highest God when I am grateful. Accepted and loved. Please assist me in locating the compassion that comes with genuine forgiveness.
And when I see the individual who has injured me, remind me of this prayer so that I can take any sinful thoughts captive and submit them to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) And may the assurance of Christ in my heart lead me to forgiveness’s release. I thank you for educating and perfecting my faith via your work in my life. Amen, in Jesus’ name.
A Short Forgiveness Prayer
Greetings, Lord! I praise You for the ability to forgive, and I choose to forgive everyone who has wronged me. [Name anyone who has offended you], please help me set them free and release them to You [Romans 12:19]. Assist me in blessing those who have wronged me [Romans 12:14]. Help me to demonstrate Your life on earth by walking in justice, peace, and joy. I chose to be compassionate and kind, forgiving others as You have forgiven me [Ephesians 4:32]. Amen, in Jesus’ name.
A Short Self-Forgiveness Prayer
Father, I want forgiveness today for all the bad and damaging things I’ve said about myself. I don’t want to hurt myself like this again. Transform my thinking and show me how magnificently you created me. Change my habits so that I breathe hope and favour into my life with my tongue. In the name of Jesus.
Prayer for God’s Hand and Guidance In a Sin-Ridden Life
Lord, you promised that when I seek You with all our heart, I will find You. I seek only after You. I ask that you still my troubled heart, calm my wayward mind, as I seek only after You. I’m never going to be able to figure this out on my own, and right now I’m leaning heavily on You. I give you all the anxieties and fears I feel inside, and I release them all to You. I know You will grant forgiveness of my sins. I ask that you please so, as I am truly sorry for the wrong I’ve done in my life. I open up my life so that it becomes like an open book before You. Amen
Prayer for Guidance and Forgiveness
I am lost at this moment in my life. I have gone down the wrong road, and I am having a difficult time getting back to where I need to be. I want to do the right thing and keep true to myself, but it’s very hard to fight the demons that have pulled me back down. I need You, my precious Lord, to help me get back on the right path and to stay away from this destructive life that I feel I am leading. I know I am the only one to blame for my actions. But I know if You will give me the courage, strength, and will to walk away, I can make it through with my eyes on You.
Prayer for the Sin of Adultery
Lord, I repent of all the sin in my life. I have committed adultery against my spouse, and I am so sorry. The decision I made to cheat on the partner you placed in my life was and is a terrible act on my part. Please forgive me. Please allow my spouse to forgive me in time, and heal our marriage. I am truly sorry for the wrong that I have done, and the hurt that I have caused to You as well as my family. If there is any sin that I don’t know of, please bring it to my mind that I may repent as well. Please forgive me Lord of any pride, rebellion, vanity, jealousy, judging, distrust, prejudice, dishonesty, theft, greed, spiritual adultery or fornication, or any spiritual murder. I ask this in Your precious name, amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness of Others
Father, I need your help and your insights. Today I have gained a better understanding of forgiving others and with your help, I fully forgive from my heart. Although I have been sinned against, I know I myself have sinned against others. You have freely forgiven me, so I forgive them as well. Father, I ask you to forgive me for hurting others out of my own hurt and to heal my relationships with others. I pray all of this in Jesus’ precious name and by whom all forgiveness and healing were made possible.
Prayer for Forgiveness of Sin and Eternal Life
Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive today, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. Amen.
