Prayer for Forgiveness

Prayer for forgiveness- how to forgive easily?

Forgiving others is not as easy as it sounds. It’s a personal experience that often requires time, reflection, emotional work, and prayer. Sometimes we become slow to forgive because we have lost a loved one, our reputation, or our wealth.  

But, if we read the Bible, God and Jesus spoke of forgiveness many times. In Matthew 18: 20-22, Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who have sinned against us. Then, Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” 

No matter how much we suffer, we should forgive more and more, just like God and Jesus do. In the Old Testament, God was betrayed repeatedly by His chosen people, yet He forgave them. The same holds true for Jesus at the time of the First Coming. While Jesus was on earth, He forgave and loved. He extended forgiveness to those who crucified Him, showed compassion to repentant people, and forgave when it was undeserved. 

Jesus Himself exemplifies forgiveness. He bore all the sins of humanity for us to receive salvation and eternal life. If our hearts are hurting right now, or we feel guilty for being unforgiving, let’s pray for forgiveness and believe that God will heal our hearts.

“Divine and Merciful Creator,

I come before You today with a contrite heart, seeking forgiveness. I acknowledge the mistakes, shortcomings, and pain I have caused others through my words, actions, or inactions. I acknowledge that I am imperfect and have sinned so I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Please grant me the strength to confront my faults and the courage to take responsibility for my actions. Help me to truly understand the impact of my behavior on others, and grant me the empathy and compassion to sincerely apologize and make amends.

Please guide me in healing the wounds I’ve caused. Please soften the hearts of those I have hurt, that they may find it in their hearts to forgive me. Grant me the humility to accept their forgiveness, knowing I am worthy of a second chance.

In the same way, I also ask for Your grace in forgiving those who have wronged me. Search and release any bitterness, resentment, or anger that may have taken root in my heart. Help me to understand that forgiveness is not tolerating wrongdoing but rather freeing myself from holding grudges against them.

Please release me from the chains of guilt and shame that hold me back from experiencing true joy and peace. Fill my heart with love, kindness, and understanding, so that I may sow seeds of reconciliation and harmony in my relationships.

Thank you, loving Creator, for Your infinite capacity to forgive. I am grateful for Your unwavering love and the opportunity to experience Your abundant grace. May forgiveness reign in my life and in the lives of all people on this earth, bringing healing and restoration.

In Your compassionate name, I pray,

Amen.”