26 Prayers for Forgiveness (+ Bible Verses)

We’ve all been there—those moments when we mess up, hurt someone’s feelings, or make choices we later regret. It’s a part of being human. But what comes next? How do we make amends, not just with the people we’ve wronged but also with ourselves and with God?

Forgiveness can feel like a heavy word, loaded with guilt and difficult emotions. But it’s also a path to healing, freedom, and renewed faith.

In this article, we’ve gathered 26 heartfelt prayers for forgiveness, along with Bible verses to guide you. These are for anyone and everyone—whether you’re seeking forgiveness from God, asking for strength to forgive someone else, or even struggling to forgive yourself.

Think of it as a spiritual toolkit designed to help you find your way back to a place of peace and grace.

Prayers for Personal Forgiveness and Self-Compassion

A Prayer for Self-Forgiveness
Lord, I find it so easy to ask for Your forgiveness but so hard to forgive myself. I am my own worst critic, constantly reminding myself of my past mistakes. Help me to see myself through Your eyes, as a child of God, deserving of love and forgiveness. Allow me to forgive myself so that I can fully embrace the life You have planned for me. Amen.

A Prayer for Releasing Guilt
Heavenly Father, I am weighed down by guilt and shame for the things I’ve done. I know that You have already forgiven me, but I struggle to accept that forgiveness in my heart. Help me to release this guilt, to trust in Your mercy, and to believe that I am a new creation in You. Thank you for Your love that washes away my sins. Amen.

Heavenly Father, I am weighed down by guilt and shame for the things I’ve done. I know that You have already forgiven me, but I struggle to accept that forgiveness in my heart. Help me to release this guilt, to trust in Your mercy, and to believe that I am a new creation in You. Thank you for Your love that washes away my sins. Amen.

A Prayer for Overcoming Shame
Dear God, shame has a way of making me feel isolated and unworthy of love, both from others and from You. Help me to remember that Your love is unconditional and that Your forgiveness wipes away my shame. Allow me to step into the freedom that Your forgiveness offers, so I can live a life full of Your grace. Amen.

A Prayer for Accepting God’s Grace
Dear Lord, I often feel unworthy of Your love and forgiveness. Help me to understand that Your grace is a gift, not something I can earn. Allow me to accept Your forgiveness fully so that I can be freed from the chains of sin and guilt. Thank you for Your endless love and mercy. Amen.

Prayers for Relationship Healing

A Prayer for Healing Broken Relationships
Dear God, my relationships are suffering because of my actions and words. I ask for Your guidance in mending these broken bonds. Help me to approach those I’ve hurt with humility and sincerity, seeking their forgiveness as well. Fill our hearts with Your love and understanding so that we can move past this hurt and find unity again. Amen.

A Prayer for Mending a Friendship
Heavenly Father, I’ve hurt a dear friend, and the pain I feel is deep. I ask for Your guidance in repairing this precious relationship. Help me to be humble, to listen, and to seek forgiveness. May Your love be the foundation upon which our friendship is rebuilt. Thank you for the gift of friendship and for Your forgiveness that makes renewal possible. Amen.

A Prayer for Reconciliation with a Loved One
Heavenly Father, my relationship with a loved one is strained because of past mistakes. I ask for Your wisdom and guidance in seeking reconciliation. Help both of us to forgive and to be forgiven, to heal and to be healed. May Your love be the bridge that brings us back together. Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiveness in Marriage
Heavenly Father, marriage is a beautiful but challenging journey, and I’ve made mistakes that have hurt my spouse. I ask for Your guidance in seeking their forgiveness and working toward healing. Help us both to let go of our pride, to communicate openly, and to forgive each other as You have forgiven us. May our marriage be a testament to Your enduring love and grace. Amen.

A Prayer for Peace in Family Relationships
Lord, family is supposed to be a source of love and support, but sometimes it’s the opposite. I’ve been hurt by those closest to me, and it’s hard to forgive. Please help me to extend grace to my family, just as You have extended Your grace to me. Bring peace to our relationships and heal the wounds that divide us. Amen.

Lord, family is supposed to be a source of love and support, but sometimes it’s the opposite. I’ve been hurt by those closest to me, and it’s hard to forgive. Please help me to extend grace to my family, just as You have extended Your grace to me. Bring peace to our relationships and heal the wounds that divide us. Amen.

Prayers for Wisdom and Strength in Forgiveness

A Prayer for Recognizing My Sins
Lord, sometimes I am blind to my own faults. I justify my actions without considering how they affect others or displease You. Open my eyes, Lord, to see my sins for what they are. Give me the courage to admit my wrongs and the strength to make them right. Thank you for Your unfailing love and forgiveness. Amen.

A Prayer for Wisdom in Confession
Lord, I know I’ve done wrong, but sometimes it’s hard to admit it, even to myself. Give me the wisdom to see my actions clearly and the courage to confess them. Help me to approach those I’ve wronged with a sincere heart, seeking their forgiveness as well as Yours. Thank you for Your mercy that is new every morning. Amen.

A Prayer for the Strength to Forgive Repeated Wrongs
God, it’s hard to keep forgiving when the same person hurts me over and over again. But I know that You call me to a higher standard, to forgive as You have forgiven me. Please give me the strength to do this, to release my desire for revenge, and to trust in Your justice. Amen.

God, it’s hard to keep forgiving when the same person hurts me over and over again. But I know that You call me to a higher standard, to forgive as You have forgiven me. Please give me the strength to do this, to release my desire for revenge, and to trust in Your justice. Amen.

A Prayer for the Courage to Ask for Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, I know I need to ask for forgiveness, but I’m scared. I’m afraid of rejection, of not being understood, or of making things worse. Give me the courage to take this step, trusting that You are with me, guiding my words and actions. Thank you for Your love that casts out all fear. Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiving Betrayal
Dear God, betrayal has cut me deep, and the pain feels unbearable. I struggle to see how I can ever forgive this act. But I know that You ask us to forgive, no matter how hard it seems. Please give me the strength and wisdom to take steps toward forgiving this betrayal. Help me trust that You will heal my heart and guide me through this difficult time. Thank you for Your love that never fails. Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiving Negligence
Dear God, sometimes people hurt us not through malice but through negligence. They overlook us, forget us, or dismiss our feelings. This kind of hurt is subtle but deep. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me in this way, recognizing that they too are flawed human beings in need of Your grace. Thank you for Your love that covers all wrongs. Amen.

Prayers for Dealing with Emotions and Attitudes

A Prayer for the Willingness to Forgive
Lord, if I’m honest, sometimes I don’t want to forgive. The hurt is too fresh, the wound too deep. But I know that unforgiveness only harms me in the end. Please give me a willing spirit, ready to forgive and to move toward healing. Help me to reflect Your love and mercy in all that I do. Thank you for always being willing to forgive me. Amen.

A Prayer for Letting Go of Resentment
Dear God, I come before You today with a heavy heart, filled with resentment and anger. I know that holding onto these feelings is not healthy for me, and it’s not what You want for my life. Please help me to let go, to forgive those who have wronged me, just as You have forgiven me for my sins. Fill me with Your love and peace so that I can move forward, free from the burden of bitterness. Thank you for Your endless grace and mercy. Amen.

A Prayer for Releasing Anger
Dear God, I find myself consumed by anger, and it’s affecting my thoughts, my actions, and my relationships. I know that this anger separates me from Your love and peace. Please help me to let go of this destructive emotion. Guide me towards forgiveness, even when it feels impossible so that I can live a life that reflects Your grace. Thank you for Your endless patience and love. Amen.

I find myself consumed by anger, and it’s affecting my thoughts, my actions, and my relationships. I know that this anger separates me

A Prayer for Softening a Hardened Heart
Heavenly Father, I feel my heart hardening with anger and resentment. I don’t want to be this way, closed off to love and forgiveness. Please soften my heart, fill it with Your love, and help me to be kind and forgiving to those around me. Remind me of Your endless mercy and inspire me to extend that mercy to others. Amen.

A Prayer for Letting Go of Control
Dear God, sometimes I think holding onto grudges gives me control over a situation or over another person. But all it really does is make me miserable. Help me to let go of my need to control and to trust in Your plan. Thank you for Your wisdom and guidance, which are far greater than my own. Amen.

Prayers for Trusting God’s Justice

A Prayer for Trusting God in Difficult Situations
Lord, it’s really hard to forgive when the other person doesn’t seem to deserve it. But I know that justice is Yours to give, not mine. Help me to trust You in difficult situations, to remember that You see the bigger picture, and to let go of my need for revenge. Thank you for Your justice and Your mercy, which are perfectly balanced. Amen.

A Prayer for Leaving Judgement to God
Heavenly Father, it’s tempting to pass judgment on others, to decide who is deserving of forgiveness and who is not. But I know that this is not my place. You are the ultimate judge, and Your judgments are perfect. Help me to leave the judging to You and to focus on what You have called me to do: to love and to forgive. Thank you for Your perfect wisdom and justice. Amen.

A Prayer for Trusting God’s Timing
Lord, I want to see justice done, and it’s hard to wait. It’s even harder when I’m asked to forgive in the meantime. Please give me the patience to trust in Your timing, to remember that You are working all things for good, even when I can’t see it. Help me to focus on Your love and justice, trusting that You will make all things right in Your perfect time. Amen.

Lord, I want to see justice done, and it’s hard to wait. It’s even harder when I’m asked to forgive in the meantime. Please give me the patience to trust in Your timing, to remember that You are working all things for good, even when I can’t see it. Help me to focus on Your love and justice, trusting that You will make all things right in Your perfect time. Amen.

Prayers for Community and Wider Relationships

A Prayer for Forgiveness in the Workplace
Lord, work environments can be tough, filled with stress, competition, and misunderstandings. Help me to seek forgiveness when I’ve acted unfairly or unkindly at work. May my actions be guided by Your love and grace moving forward. Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiving Strangers
Heavenly Father, sometimes I hold grudges against people I don’t even know well. Help me release these feelings of resentment and extend Your love and grace to everyone, even strangers. Amen.

A Prayer for Forgiving Enemies
God, it’s easy to say that I should love my enemies, but it’s so hard to actually do it. Please help me to forgive those who intentionally hurt me and to pray for their well-being, trusting that Your love can change hearts. Amen.

God, it’s easy to say that I should love my enemies, but it’s so hard to actually do it. Please help me to forgive those who intentionally hurt me and to pray for their well-being, trusting that Your love can change hearts. Amen.

A Prayer for Collective Healing and Forgiveness
Lord, sometimes the wounds are so deep that it feels like we’ll never find forgiveness or healing. In these moments, we look to You for the strength to forgive and the courage to seek reconciliation. May our communities find peace and unity through Your divine love and forgiveness. Amen.


Bible Verses for Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a journey, often filled with bumps and detours. It’s completely normal to feel lost or overwhelmed at times. The Bible can serve as a comforting guidebook, offering solace and direction when you’re not sure where to turn.

Let’s explore some key Bible verses that can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of shared human experience.

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

This verse isn’t just a rule; it’s an invitation to a more peaceful life. It acknowledges how hard forgiveness can be, especially when the hurt runs deep. But it also offers a compelling reason to try: the promise of your own freedom from past mistakes.

1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The beauty of this verse lies in its assurance that you’re never too far gone for forgiveness. It’s okay to admit when you’re wrong; in fact, that’s the first step toward healing and moving forward. This verse reminds us that we’re all works in progress, and that’s perfectly okay.

Luke 17:3-4

"Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
"Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

This verse speaks to the repetitive nature of human mistakes. It’s not just about forgiving once but forgiving again and again. It’s a tough ask, but it’s also a reminder that everyone is learning and growing, just like you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you."

Here, the Bible is encouraging you to let go of the heavy baggage of negative emotions. It’s not saying it’s easy, but it is saying it’s possible. And when you do, you make room for more positive emotions like kindness and compassion, both for yourself and for others.

Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

This verse from the Old Testament offers a vivid image of transformation. It’s a poetic way to say that no matter how stained you feel, there’s always a path back to wholeness and purity. It’s a message of hope and a testament to the power of forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye."

This verse acknowledges that life is messy and people will inevitably hurt each other. It’s not a question of if but when. And when that happens, this verse encourages you to exercise patience and forgiveness, just as you’ve been forgiven. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re all in this together, each of us trying to do our best.

James 5:16

"Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working."

Here, the emphasis is on community and the healing power of shared vulnerability. It’s not just about confessing to God but also opening up to trusted people in your life. This can be a difficult step, but it’s also a way to deepen your relationships and find a supportive community that understands the complexities of forgiveness.

Psalm 32:5

"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."

This verse from the Psalms captures the relief that comes from unburdening yourself. It’s a testament to the transformative power of honesty, both with God and with yourself. The act of acknowledging your mistakes is the first step toward forgiveness and offers a sense of liberation.

Proverbs 28:13

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy."

This verse speaks to the futility of hiding our mistakes, a behavior that many of us can relate to. The fear of judgment or consequences often makes us want to sweep our sins under the rug. But this verse encourages us to face them head-on, promising that mercy awaits those who do.

It’s a nudge to be honest with ourselves and others, reminding us that true prosperity comes from integrity and openness.

Romans 12:17-21

"Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men."

This passage from Romans advises against revenge, a feeling that can often accompany hurt and make forgiveness even more challenging. It’s a call to rise above our instinctual reactions and aim for peace instead. It acknowledges that being at peace with everyone might not always be possible, but it’s a goal worth striving for.

Micah 7:18-19

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

This Old Testament verse is a beautiful reminder of the boundless nature of God’s forgiveness and compassion. It’s a comfort to know that no matter how far we stray, we have a God who delights in lovingkindness and is willing to forgive us time and time again.

2 Corinthians 2:5-8

"But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all. Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many; so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow."

This verse from Corinthians touches on the emotional toll that holding onto grudges can have on the person who has wronged you. It encourages not just forgiveness but also comfort, recognizing that we’re all capable of change and growth.


We all stumble and fall in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay down. Forgiveness is how we stand back up—it’s a gift we give to others and, sometimes, the hardest gift we give to ourselves.

Whether you’re trying to mend a broken relationship, finding peace with your past, or striving for a closer connection with God, we hope these prayers and Bible verses have been a helpful guide.

You’re not alone on this journey, and remember, it’s never too late to start anew. Take that first step; a lighter heart is waiting for you.

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Leah is a creative soul with a passion for telling stories that matter. She channels her natural curiosity and imagination into thought-provoking articles and inspiring content. She is also a registered nurse dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact.