Prayer for Forgiveness

Gracious and Loving Father,

We come before You with contrite hearts, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. Your Word assures us that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We acknowledge our need for Your forgiveness and the abundant grace You freely offer.

Lord, we confess that we have sinned against You and others. We have fallen short of Your perfect standard and have chosen our own ways over Your righteous path. We have spoken unkind words, harbored resentments, and acted in selfishness. Forgive us, we pray.

We are grateful for the cross of Christ, where the ultimate sacrifice for our sins was made. Jesus bore our sins on the cross, and by His blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). It is through His sacrifice that we can approach You with confidence, knowing that our sins are forgiven.

As we seek forgiveness, we also extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Your Word teaches us to forgive others as You have forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). Give us the strength and grace to release any bitterness, anger, or resentment we may hold against others. Help us to show the same mercy and compassion You have shown to us.

Lord, we bring before You the sins of our past, knowing that You are the God who forgets our transgressions and casts them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). May we no longer be burdened by the guilt of past mistakes but find freedom and healing in Your forgiveness.

In the moments of weakness and temptation that lie ahead, grant us the strength to resist sin. Help us to walk in obedience to Your commands, empowered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

Teach us to live with humility and authenticity before You, acknowledging our need for continuous forgiveness and transformation. May we rely on Your grace daily, finding comfort in the truth that nothing can separate us from Your love (Romans 8:38-39).

We thank You for the gift of forgiveness, which brings restoration and reconciliation. Help us to be agents of reconciliation in our relationships, offering forgiveness to others as a reflection of Your boundless love.

Lord, we lay our sins at the foot of the cross, trusting in Your promise to cleanse and purify us. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10). Let Your forgiveness overflow in our lives, that we may walk in the freedom of knowing we are forgiven and loved by You.

We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Amen.