A Simple Prayer for Forgiveness

The Bible clearly teaches us that we are to forgive others. Forgiveness is not just a suggestion; it is a command that reflects God’s forgiveness toward us. Consider these powerful scriptures:

Ephesians 4:31-32 says “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Matthew 18:21-22 says “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”

Forgiveness is not optional for believers. It is necessary so that we may also receive forgiveness from God:

Matthew 6:14-15 says “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Luke 6:37 says “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

God’s Example of Forgiveness

The forgiveness we extend to others mirrors the grace we receive from God through Christ.

1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Ephesians 1:7 says “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Forgiveness does not mean agreeing with someone’s wrong actions or excusing sin. Instead, forgiveness acknowledges God’s sovereignty and trusts Him to handle justice.

Romans 12:17-19 says “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Why Forgiveness Matters

Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for others. When we withhold forgiveness, we risk opening the door to bitterness, sadness, and spiritual bondage. Choosing to forgive releases us from those chains and aligns us with God’s will. It sets us free and restores peace to our hearts.

A Prayer for Forgiveness

If you’re struggling to forgive someone, or if you’re carrying bitterness in your heart, bring it to the Lord in prayer. Here is a prayer to help guide you:

“Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would minister to my heart right now. Look into the depths of my heart and reveal any hardness, unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment toward anyone. Please bring their names to my heart now by the power of Your Spirit.

I repent for holding onto unforgiveness and for justifying my actions by repaying evil with evil. I confess that I thought I was protecting myself, but instead, I was behaving no differently than those who hurt me. I repent for the sin of bitterness and unforgiveness.

As an act of my will and in obedience to You, I choose to forgive (name the person and what they did). I trust You to make my forgiveness sincere and complete, just as You forgive me without looking back. Please soften my heart with Your love and let Your forgiveness flow through me. Thank You for the work You are doing in my heart right now.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is transformative. Trust God to help you forgive as He has forgiven you. By doing so, you open the door to healing, peace, and restoration.

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