The core of the Christian faith is forgiveness. Prayer opens the path to healing, restoration, and peace, whether we are pleading with God for forgiveness of our sins or working to forgive others. Even though we are all fallible, God’s love gives us the chance to start over by really repenting and believing in His grace.
Prayer for Forgiveness
This compilation of sincere prayers for forgiveness is intended to assist you in confessing your faults, becoming closer to God, and obtaining the purification that only He can provide. Scripture serves as the foundation for each prayer, which leads you back to our loving and merciful Father.
1. A Prayer for God’s Mercy and Forgiveness
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You humbly, acknowledging my sins and shortcomings. Have mercy on me, O Lord, and wash me clean with Your precious blood. I know I have fallen short of Your glory, but I plead for Your loving forgiveness. Cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me. I repent of my wrongdoings and desire to walk in righteousness. Thank You for Your endless grace and for never giving up on me. I receive Your mercy with gratitude.
Psalm 51:1
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Lord, blot out my sins and let me stand in Your love again. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Forgiving Others
Dear Lord, help me to release any bitterness and resentment I hold toward others. I know I’ve been hurt, but I desire to walk in forgiveness as You forgave me. Soften my heart and help me let go of every offense. May I never repay evil for evil, but bless those who wrong me. I surrender my anger and pain to You, and ask that You give me peace and freedom through forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Lord, help me to forgive, so I may live in Your forgiveness. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Hidden Sins
Lord Jesus, search me and know my heart. Reveal to me any hidden sin that I may not even be aware of. I desire to be pure before You in all things. Please forgive my secret faults, and lead me into the light of Your truth. Help me to walk blameless and be pleasing in Your sight. Cleanse me from anything that hinders our relationship.
Psalm 19:12
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” Father, forgive what I cannot see and help me walk in truth. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Forgiveness in Times of Weakness
Lord, in moments of weakness, I often fall short. Temptation overtakes me and I stumble in sin. I come to You now, broken and repentant, asking for Your forgiveness. Strengthen me, Father, to resist the enemy. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient, and Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Restore my soul and lead me on the path of righteousness again.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Lord, I lean on Your grace. Forgive and restore me. Amen.
5. A Prayer of Confession and Repentance
Father, I confess my sins before You today. I acknowledge my disobedience and my failure to live according to Your will. I turn away from all unrighteousness and ask for Your cleansing blood to wash me. I repent with all my heart and desire to walk in newness of life. Teach me to obey and love You above all else.
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.” Thank You, Lord, for being faithful to forgive. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Anger:
Lord, I confess that I allowed anger to control me. My words and actions did not reflect Your love. I’m truly sorry for letting my emotions take the lead. Please forgive me and help me respond with patience and grace. Heal the wounds I may have caused and restore peace in my relationships. Teach me to be slow to anger and rich in mercy, just like You.
James 1:19-20
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Lord, help me live in Your righteousness. Amen.
7. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Pride
Father, I come before You, recognizing the pride that has taken root in my heart. Forgive me for thinking I could do life without You. I humble myself and acknowledge that all I have comes from You. Strip away my arrogance and replace it with a spirit of humility. Let me live to glorify You, not myself.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Lord, help me walk humbly before You all the days of my life. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Hurting a Loved One
Lord, I have caused pain to someone I love through my words or actions. I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me, and help me make things right. Give me the wisdom to apologize sincerely and the strength to change my ways. Heal the brokenness I’ve caused and restore our relationship through Your grace.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” May Your compassion flow through me as I seek restoration. Amen.
9. A Prayer for Daily Cleansing
Father, every day I fall short of Your glory. I ask for daily cleansing from all sin and wrong thoughts. Purify me, renew my mind, and help me to live each moment conscious of Your holy presence. I surrender my day, my heart, and my thoughts to You.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Thank You, Lord, for daily mercy and grace. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Gossip
Lord, I confess I spoke carelessly and gossiped about others. I realize now that my words were harmful. Please forgive me for tearing down rather than building up. Teach me to be a person who uses their tongue to bless, not curse. Restore those I’ve hurt and help me become a faithful, trustworthy friend.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Give me wisdom to speak only what glorifies You. Amen.
11. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Doubting God
Dear God, forgive me for the times I doubted Your goodness and promises. In moments of fear and uncertainty, I’ve questioned Your plan. I confess my unbelief and ask You to help me trust You fully again. Strengthen my faith and remind me that You are always faithful, even when I falter.
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'” Lord, help me trust You in all things. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Impure Thoughts
Heavenly Father, I bring before You my thoughts and inner struggles. Cleanse my mind from impure and sinful desires. I repent for entertaining thoughts that dishonor You. Please renew my mind with Your Word and help me think on things that are pure, noble, and lovely.
Philippians 4:8
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things.” Lord, purify my mind and make it pleasing to You. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Forgiveness in a Broken Relationship
Lord, this relationship has been damaged by pain and misunderstanding. I acknowledge my part in the hurt and ask for Your forgiveness. Please begin the process of healing between us. Show me how to love again, how to rebuild trust, and how to let Your grace flow into our hearts.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Help me pursue peace and forgiveness. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Neglecting God’s Word
Dear Lord, forgive me for not making time for Your Word. I have let distractions pull me away from Your truth. I repent of my spiritual negligence and ask You to stir a hunger in my heart for Your Scriptures. May I find joy, strength, and direction in Your Word daily.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Lord, guide me through Your Word and forgive my neglect. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Jealousy
Father, I confess that jealousy has taken root in my heart. I have compared myself to others and grown resentful. Forgive me for not trusting Your unique plan for my life. Help me to celebrate others with genuine joy, knowing that Your blessings for them don’t take away from mine.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Lord, cleanse me of envy and renew my heart. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Telling Lies
Father, I admit that I have lied, whether in word or action. I have strayed from Your truth and compromised my integrity. Please forgive me for choosing dishonesty. Restore a truthful spirit within me and help me walk in honesty and sincerity in all my dealings. May my words always reflect Your truth.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Lord, make me a person of truth and integrity. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Idolatry
Lord, I have placed other things above You—comfort, success, relationships, or possessions. I acknowledge this idolatry and repent deeply. Forgive me for not giving You the first place in my heart. I surrender all and declare You alone as Lord. Reign in every area of my life.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Lord, I turn back to You as my only God and King. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Laziness
Dear God, I confess that I have been lazy in my responsibilities and my calling. I’ve wasted time and opportunities. Forgive me, Lord, and ignite a renewed diligence in me. Help me work with excellence and serve with purpose, as unto You.
Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Strengthen my hands for work and fill my heart with purpose. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Unbelief
Father, forgive me for doubting Your promises. At times I’ve allowed fear and circumstances to outweigh faith. Today, I choose to believe again. Strengthen my heart, Lord, and help me stand firm on Your unfailing Word.
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God.” Lord, help me believe even when I cannot see. Amen.
20. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Using Harsh Words
Lord, I regret the hurtful words I have spoken. I know my tongue has power to wound or heal, and I have used it unwisely. Please forgive me and teach me to speak with love, patience, and grace. Let my mouth glorify You in all circumstances.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Lord, help me speak words that heal and uplift. Amen.
21. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Betraying Trust
Lord, I acknowledge that I have betrayed the trust of someone close to me. I am truly sorry for my actions and the pain they caused. Please forgive me and help me restore what was broken. Teach me to be faithful, trustworthy, and honest in all my relationships.
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Make me a person of trust and integrity again, Lord. Amen.
22. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Disobedience
Heavenly Father, I recognize that I’ve knowingly disobeyed Your commands. My actions were rebellious, and I grieve over them. Please forgive me and draw me back into alignment with Your will. Help me to trust and obey, for there is no other way to live in Your peace.
1 Samuel 15:22
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Teach me obedience, Lord, for it brings blessing and life. Amen.
23. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Neglecting Prayer
Lord, forgive me for not seeking Your face in prayer as I should. I’ve allowed life’s distractions to draw me away from intimate communion with You. Restore in me the desire to pray, to listen, and to fellowship with You daily.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” Draw me back to constant, loving communion with You, Lord. Amen.
24. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Covetousness
Father, I confess that I’ve desired what belongs to others. Covetousness has stolen my contentment. Please forgive me for not being grateful for Your blessings. Help me to rejoice in what I have and be content in Your perfect plan for me.
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…” Lord, teach me to be satisfied and thankful. Amen.
25. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Sexual Sin
Lord, I confess my sin before You. I have crossed boundaries You’ve set for purity. Please forgive me and cleanse me completely. Give me strength to walk in holiness and renew my commitment to honor You with my body and thoughts.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Help me live in purity and freedom, Lord. Amen.
26. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Abandoning Faith
Father, I have strayed from my faith. I doubted, wandered, and forgot Your love. But today I return. Please forgive me and restore me to fellowship with You. I believe again and choose to walk in Your truth.
Jeremiah 3:22
“Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” Heal me, Lord, and draw me near again. Amen.
27. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Wasted Time
Lord, forgive me for wasting time on meaningless things. Life is short, and I desire to use every moment to glorify You. Help me be wise with my time and focused on what truly matters.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” Teach me to redeem the time, Lord. Amen.
28. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Greed
Lord, I confess that greed has sometimes controlled my decisions. I’ve wanted more than I needed and failed to be content. Please forgive me and help me to trust in Your provision and share generously with others.
Luke 12:15
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Make me content and generous, Lord. Amen.
29. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Rebellion
Lord, I have knowingly rebelled against You. I ignored Your voice and chose my own way. Forgive me for this disobedience and soften my heart. Lead me back into Your perfect will and teach me to delight in obeying You.
Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Thank You for cleansing me, Lord. Amen.
30. A Prayer for Forgiveness After Bitterness
Father, I’ve held on to bitterness, letting it poison my heart. Please forgive me and uproot every trace of resentment. Help me to release the offense and embrace freedom through forgiveness. Heal my heart with Your love.
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it… that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Remove the root of bitterness from me, Lord. Amen.
31. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Not Trusting God’s Timing
Lord, I’ve rushed ahead of You, doubting Your perfect timing. Forgive me for my impatience. Teach me to trust that You are never late and that Your plans for me are good. I surrender the need to control and wait upon You.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” I trust Your timing, Lord. Amen.
32. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Judgmental Attitudes
Lord, I’ve been quick to judge others and slow to show compassion. Forgive me for seeing faults instead of people. Help me see with Your eyes—full of love and mercy. Change my heart, Lord.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Fill me with grace, Lord. Amen.
33. A Prayer for Forgiveness for Not Loving Others
Father, You called me to love, but I have failed to love others as You do. Please forgive me for coldness, selfishness, and indifference. Teach me to love with action, truth, and sincerity.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” Let Your love flow through me, Lord. Amen.
34. A Prayer for Forgiveness from Grumbling and Complaining
Lord, I confess that I often grumble instead of giving thanks. Forgive me for my ungrateful heart. Open my eyes to Your blessings and fill me with contentment and joy in all situations.
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” May praise replace my complaints, Lord. Amen.
35. A Prayer for Total Restoration After Forgiveness
Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness. Now I ask for complete restoration. Heal every broken place, renew my strength, and lead me forward in victory. Make me whole again by Your grace.
Joel 2:25
“I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten…” Thank You for restoration, Lord. Amen.
Conclusion
God’s mercy is always accessible, regardless of how far you’ve wandered or how far you’ve fallen. These forgiveness prayers are more than simply words; they are spiritual lifelines that help you get back in touch with God’s love. May you feel the freedom that comes from divine forgiveness and restoration as you keep seeking Him humbly and sincerely.
Allow His grace to uplift your soul, mend your scars, and lead you into a life characterized by peace, obedience, and love. Recall that “He is faithful and just to forgive us if we confess our sins” (1 John 1:9). Amen.
