Say This Powerful Prayer for Forgiveness to Feel Lighter Now

Seeking forgiveness—whether for yourself or to forgive someone else—is a powerful step toward healing and restoration. Forgiving others isn’t easy, and holding onto bitterness can bring even more pain. These prayers for forgiveness can guide you toward peace and strength, helping you take this bold step in faith.

We all need forgiveness, and recognizing our own need makes it easier to forgive others. As Colossians 3:13 reminds us: “Forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Let these prayers inspire you as you work toward forgiveness and healing.

A Powerful Prayer for Forgiveness

Heavenly Father,

I come to You, weighed down by bitterness and resentment that have held me captive for far too long. I humbly ask for Your forgiveness and the strength to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me release the burden of anger and pain, and fill my heart with Your peace and unconditional love.

Holy Spirit, I invite You to work within me. Break the chains of bitterness, transform my heart, and renew my mind. Lead me toward healing, reconciliation, and freedom. I surrender my pain to You, trusting in Your grace that is sufficient for every need.

May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

More Empowering Prayers for Forgiveness

These next prayers continue to seek God’s forgiveness, provision, and guidance in the midst of personal struggles and trials.

Short Prayer for Forgiveness

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; blot out my transgressions and cleanse me from my sin. I acknowledge my sins, ever before me, and recognize my need for Your forgiveness. You desire truth and wisdom within me—purify me, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach others Your ways, and my lips will declare Your praise. — Psalm 51:1-15

Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins, Renewal and Repentance

Jesus,

It has been so long since I spoke Your Name with love and need, seeking to lean on You. I have ignored You and turned to sin, exposing myself to the world’s evils without considering the salvation of my soul. Yet, I know You are merciful and forgive those who come to You with repentant hearts.

Today, I surrender my sinful heart to You—pride, envy, jealousy, sloth, gluttony, vanity, and lust. Cleanse me with Your Precious Blood, root out my sins, and renew me. I acknowledge my weakness and place my trust in Your loving hands, knowing You will carry me when I cannot stand.

Transform my heart, Jesus, and guide me through the difficult journey of purification. I trust You will strengthen me against temptation and comfort me when I fall. Teach me to live in Your Divine Will, resting in Your mercy and peace.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, immerse me in Your love.
Mary, my mother, shelter me in your Immaculate Heart.
St. Joseph, keep me close to Jesus.
St. Michael, defend me with God’s angels.

Amen.

Prayer for Forginess and Cleansing

Lord, I confess that I have sinned. Please forgive me for [insert specific sin], and help me to walk more closely with You. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions, and protect me from falling into sin again. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, who died for my sins, and for Your boundless grace and forgiveness. In His precious name, I pray, Amen.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” ~ Acts 3:19 (NIV)

We all sin and need redemption, but God’s forgiveness is always available. Sometimes, we may struggle to find the words to seek His healing grace.

In Pardoned by Grace, Scott Highberger’s life of crime and rebellion finds redemption through God’s word. After discovering Christ’s love in prison, he learns to ask for forgiveness and fully surrender to God. Based on a true story, Scott’s journey inspires us to embrace God’s mercy and transformation.

Prayer for Forgiveness in the Bible

“Remember, Lord, Your great compassion and mercy, which You have shown from of old. Do not remember the sins and shortcomings of my youth. In Your unfailing love, remember me, for You are good and full of mercy.” ~ (Psalm 25:6-7)

Prayer for Forgiveness Catholic

From Psalm 51

O loving and merciful God, have mercy on me. Take away the stain of my sin and cleanse me from guilt. Purify my heart and restore my purity. I confess my shameful deeds, which haunt me day and night. They are sins against You, O God, and Your boundless mercy.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew my spirit within me. Purify my thoughts and desires, and make me white as snow. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me the willingness to obey You.

Jesus, have mercy on me.
Jesus, have mercy on me.
Jesus, have mercy on me.

Jesus, I trust in You.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Jesus, I trust in You.