Bible-based prayers for “Forgiveness”, to read or listen to.
A clean heart
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
My God, I come to you without excuses. You know what I did and what I failed to do, and I don't want to hide it any longer. I truly ask your forgiveness. You invite me to come and promise that my sins, though they be as scarlet, shall be as white as snow. Wash what is stained in me and give me a clean heart that desires what is good once more. Stay close, even though I have wandered away. Fill me with the joy of knowing I am saved by Jesus, who bore my guilt on the cross. May your Spirit sustain me to start again and walk more carefully. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Father, there is a wound that still hurts. Someone harmed me, and sometimes I relive what happened over and over. You saw everything and you know my pain. Like Joseph with his brothers, I want to leave justice in your hands, because I am not in your place. Help me believe that you can bring something good even out of this. Today I choose to forgive, even if my feelings are slow to follow my decision. Heal my memory little by little and keep me from revenge. If it is wise, give me healthy boundaries to protect myself as well. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Lord, you have already forgiven me, but I keep carrying my mistake. I accuse myself, I go over what I did again and again, and I can't let it go. You say that you blot out my transgressions and will not remember my sins. If you do not remember them to condemn me, teach me not to live chained to them. I want to learn from my faults without getting trapped in shame. Give me humility to make amends where I can and peace to accept what I cannot change. Help me see myself as you see me: with truth and with mercy. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Lord Jesus, you taught that being reconciled with my brother matters more than any offering. There is a broken relationship in my life and it weighs on me. Maybe I am partly to blame too. Give me courage to take the first step, to call, write or ask for a conversation. Put humble words in my mouth, without reproach or pride. Prepare the other person's heart as well. If it isn't the right time yet, teach me to wait without resentment and to pray for them. May my worship not be in words only, but be seen in how I treat others. I ask this in your name. Amen.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
God of mercy, I want to forgive and I can't. I feel bitterness, anger and a desire for the other person to pay for what they did. I don't want to pretend before you; you know everything that is in me. I remember how much you have forgiven me in Christ, without my deserving it, and I ask that this memory soften my heart. Take the bitterness from me before it takes root and pulls me away from your grace. I don't ask to forget all at once, but to take one small step today. Make me kind and compassionate, even when it is hard. And if this pain is too much for me, give me the humility to seek help and counsel. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
Good Father, I fell into the same thing again. I promised you it wouldn't happen, and here I am once more, ashamed. A voice inside me says I am hopeless, but your Word says that though I fall, I will rise, because you are my light in the darkness. I come back to you sincerely and ask your forgiveness. Thank you that your patience is greater than my failures. Show me what makes me stumble and give me wisdom to avoid it. Surround me with people who will help me stand firm. Today I get up again, holding your hand. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
