Say this Divine Prayer for True Forgiveness of Sins

Almost everyone knows the phrase ‘forgive and forget,’ but forgiveness is often easier said than done—especially for deep wounds like betrayal, bullying, or victimization. Holding onto pain can stunt emotional growth and harm future relationships.

Forgiveness, however, acts as a healing balm. Let’s explore what forgiveness truly means, how to practice it through prayer, and share prayers for Forgiveness to help you forgive and find peace.

Powerful Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins

A prayer of forgiveness can serve two purposes: seeking forgiveness for ourselves or asking forgiveness from others. Many prayers are designed to address both aspects of forgiveness. Here are powerful prayers you can use to pray for forgiveness.

Prayer for Forgiveness

O Lord, Almighty and Ever-Living God, I thank You for Your boundless mercy. Though I am a sinner, You have nourished me with the precious body and blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May this gift be a shield of faith and a protection against evil. Cleanse me from my sinful ways and end my wrongful desires. Let Your Holy Spirit fill me with charity, patience, humility, and obedience, and grant me the strength to grow in goodness and righteousness. Amen.

Prayer of Forgiveness from God

O Christ, my Creator and Redeemer, Holy Spirit, Almighty Lord God, I ask for Your forgiveness upon all those bound to me by friendship or blood, for whom I pray or have committed to pray—along with all Your faithful people. Deliver them from all evil, guide them in all that is good, and lead them to eternal joy for Your honor and glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Prayer of Forgiveness from Sin

Lord Jesus, for too long, I have kept You at a distance. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I realize I cannot save myself. No longer will I turn away when I hear Your call. By faith, I humbly accept Your precious gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming to Earth. I believe You are the Son of God, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and rose again on the third day. Thank You for bearing my sins and granting me the gift of eternal life. I trust in the truth of Your words. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and hear my prayers for forgiveness. Amen.

Prayer of Forgiveness from Others

How to Forgive

What Does Forgiveness Mean?

Forgiveness is often defined as “stopping the feeling of anger or resentment toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.”

However, many people mistakenly believe that forgiving someone means:

Forgetting what they did to you
Minimizing the pain they caused
Immediately restoring things to the way they were before

In reality, forgiveness is about releasing anger, hurt, and the desire for revenge. It’s showing mercy to those who have wronged us, even if they don’t deserve it. As the Bible says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

It’s also crucial to understand that forgiveness doesn’t excuse or forget the wrongdoing. It’s not about pretending everything is fine or invalidating the harm caused.

Forgiveness is often a complex process, one that doesn’t follow a simple path. It involves understanding the depth of the hurt and how it has affected you. Not all discomfort is a genuine offense, so it’s important to distinguish between real harm and temporary irritations.

The good news is that forgiveness can heal emotional wounds. Scientifically, identifying and acknowledging your pain is a crucial step in the healing process. The deeper the hurt, the more important forgiveness becomes in restoring emotional health.

One Bible verse that captures the essence of forgiveness is John 13:34:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Forgiveness and self-discovery are personal journeys, but you don’t have to go it alone. Seeking guidance from a therapist or a trusted support system can make the process easier. It’s vital to address your pain in a safe, nurturing environment.

As the Bible reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

If God can forgive all of our sins, we too can reflect His grace by choosing to forgive those who have hurt us.

How to Seek Forgiveness from Others

How to Seek Forgiveness

Many people try to avoid confronting the harm they’ve caused, often using denial or blame to deflect responsibility. Insecure individuals, in particular, may struggle to admit their faults, but humility is the key to true forgiveness and healing. Embracing humility and offering a genuine apology can distinguish you from those who cling to pride.

Consider the three A’s: Acknowledgment, Asking, and Action.

Acknowledge your wrongdoings without making excuses.
When you say, “I’m sorry, but…,” you’re deflecting responsibility and placing blame on the person you’ve hurt. True humility requires acknowledging your mistakes fully, without justification.
Ask for forgiveness.
Once you’ve acknowledged your wrongdoing, humbly ask for forgiveness. Do so without conditions or expectations. Shift the focus from the other person’s actions to your own.
Take Action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Apologies alone are not enough; actions must follow. To rebuild trust, show through your behavior that you’re committed to change. If we continue to make the same mistakes, our apologies lose their sincerity. Growth is essential, both for the person you’ve wronged and for your own well-being.

Forgiveness is the Foundation of True Love

Forgiveness is a gift we can all offer.

While forgiveness doesn’t require you to maintain a relationship with the person who hurt you, it invites us to “…keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).