Prayers for Forgiveness

The prayer to start with.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Lord, I’ve done wrong, and I’m sorry. I won’t make excuses. Forgive me, and cleanse me. Thank You that You are faithful and just to forgive. Help me not to repeat it. Let me walk away lighter, and closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When you’ve been carrying it alone.

Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn’t impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared. Psalm 130:3-4

Father, I’ve been carrying this guilt, and I can’t any longer. I bring it to You. I’m sorry for what I did, and for what I didn’t do. Forgive me. Take the weight. Let me know I’m clean, not because I’ve earned it, but because You say so. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Forgiveness is a choice you make before the feeling comes.

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. Luke 23:34

Lord, someone hurt me, and I don’t want to forgive. But You forgave me, so I’m choosing to forgive them. I’ll need Your help to mean it. Take the bitterness. Heal what they broke. Let me be free. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If God has forgiven you and you still haven’t.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19

God, You’ve forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself. Help me. Teach me to stop punishing myself for what You’ve already covered. Let me accept the grace I keep refusing. I want to live as someone who is forgiven. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Asking for both: forgive me, and be gentle with me.

He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Lord, have mercy on me. I know I deserve less. Forgive my sins, and be gentle with my failures. Remember me with kindness. Pour out Your mercy, and make me merciful to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In your own words, if you need them.

Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19

Lord, I can’t seem to forgive myself, so I’m asking You to help me. You’ve forgiven me, so I will too. Take the shame. Teach me to learn from it, not live in it. Let me be free. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A short one for the moment guilt comes back.

Father, when guilt comes back, remind me I’m forgiven. I won’t keep punishing myself for what You’ve forgiven. I receive Your mercy again today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start the day with a clean slate.

Lord, I start this day forgiven. Help me forgive quickly today, and be kind. Where I wronged someone yesterday, show me how to make it right. Thank You for new mercy this morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.