4 PRAYERS FOR FORGIVENESS – FOR SELF AND OTHERS !

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, we 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.

Prayer to God for Forgiveness of Sins

Even while we encourage you to pray this prayer, we caution you that saying words alone will not save you. Prayer doesn’t save. Only Christ can save. But prayer can be a means of reaching out to the Lord in true saving faith. If we pray these words in faith, Christ will save us. We can be sure of that.

Lord Jesus, please forgive me as from few days we are not able to spend good time with the Word of God in my life. We know that we are sinners and that we cannot save our-self. No longer will we close the door when we hear you knocking. By faith we gratefully receive your gift of salvation. We are ready to trust you as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. We believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. We believe that the Word of the God is true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Saviour. Amen.

If we have prayed this prayer in sincere faith, we may want to put your initials by the prayer along with today’s date as a reminder that we have come to Christ in faith, trusting him as your Lord and Saviour. In Jesus Most Mighty name we Pray! Amen.

Prayer for Forgiving Others

Oh Loving, Merciful & Compassionate Lord,

Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me. 

I understand that even though I feel scarred, my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior’s eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to your love. We are all your children, and your desire is that none of us should perish.

You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” (Colossians. 3:15) When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. “I will be always thankful.” (Colossians. 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful) with gratitude I can draw closer to you and let go of un-forgiveness. With gratitude I see the other person also the child of God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.

And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (Colossians. 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful) And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Short Prayer to Forgive Others

Dear Lord, we thank You for the power of forgiveness, and we choose to forgive everyone who has hurt us. Help me bless those who have hurt me (Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them). Help me walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, demonstrating your life here on earth. we choose to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as You forgave us (Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you). In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Short Prayer to Forgive Yourself

Father, today we ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words we have spoken about myself. We do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus’ name.

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.”