Repentance and forgiveness are big parts of being a Christian. As humans, it is normal to fall and make mistakes. It is part of being human and a Christian. We may falter, and others may falter around us, but we can ask for forgiveness, and we can forgive, just as God forgives us every day we are here on Earth.
When we encounter guilt and shame, there is only one way to find peace in our hearts: prayer. God is a merciful God, and when we make mistakes, He wants us to come to Him and ask for forgiveness. But more than praying for forgiveness, it is our duty as Christians to repent and change our ways, so we may not make the same mistakes again.
It is our goal as Christians to ask for forgiveness and repent. These prayers for repentance and forgiveness can help us find the peace and calm we are looking for:
Prayers Asking for Repentance And Forgiveness
Prayer to Ask for Forgiveness for Past Mistakes
Oh, Lord, I am ashamed of the mistakes I have made in the past. I am not perfect because no Christian is.
Being a Christian means we are prone to make sins, and that is okay.
But when we do, I know that we must give them all to you and ask for your forgiveness.
I may have taken a wrong turn in my life in the past, but I know that you still love me as one of your children, God.
You taught me to give you all my guilt, shame, and wrongdoings, and so I am here doing so.
I am not proud of my mistakes in the past, and that is why I am asking you to forgive me now, merciful God.
Whenever I think about the things I did that made me stray from being a good Christian, I am filled with fear.
Fear that you are not proud of me as a child of God.
So please, God, forgive me for my past mistakes, for I did not know what I was doing.
I now realize that my sins are not becoming a good Christian, and that is why I have repented.
I am now obedient to your Word, but my past still exists, so please, God, forgive me for my past sins.
I seek your mercy and your blessing, so I may continue to walk on the right path from now on. Amen.
Acts 3:19
Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord
Prayer of Forgiveness for Evil Words
Dear God, I pray to you because I am so angry sometimes.
The world is sometimes cruel to me, and I can’t help but say evil words. I say evil words to myself, to people in my life, and to you, sometimes, God.
I know that every evil word I say brings me closer to the Devil, and I don’t want that at all.
Please, God, forgive me for every trouble and word that comes out of my mouth that is not becoming a good Christian.
I am only human, and I am beset with emotions that make me spit out evil and vile words.
Sometimes it is the only way I can express what I feel inside, but I always feel the same guilt afterward. However, I always feel a need to say them. Otherwise, I will explode with anger.
Please, God, teach me the way to release my emotions without hurting the people around me and you, Oh God.
I know I disappoint you when my heart is filled with anger because this is the Devil’s work.
So please, God, forgive me first for every evil word that comes from my mouth.
And please, Lord, teach me to be patient and kind. Amen.
Chronicles 7:14
and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Prayer of Repentance for My Mistakes
Lord, I am on a journey of repentance for my mistakes.
I know I have not been a good Christian, and I am now making up for my sins. As I start on this path, I am asking you, Lord, for your guidance. Please shower me with your blessing, teachings, and courage.
As my savior and protector, I pray that you cover me with your love and protection.
As I embark on the journey of changing my way for the better, I am praying that you stay beside me. I ask that you hold my hand as I correct my ways.
Please open my mind and my heart so I may never wander off the right path again. I am afraid, God. What if I go astray again? Please don’t let it happen, God. I am begging that you stay with me on this journey and give me strength.
I no longer want to sin. I no longer want to hurt people. I am sorry, God. Please forgive me, and please come with me on my journey of repentance.
Amen.
Matthew 21:32
For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Prayer to Help Me Forgive Someone
Dear God, someone I love hurt me, and the pain has become too much to bear.
I am deeply hurt, and I don’t know what to do. Sometimes I wish I can hurt them the way they hurt me, but I know it is wrong.
I sleep and have nightmares about the pain. I wake up, and a heavy cloud hovers above me.
Please, God, give me the strength to forgive this person. The pain and anger consume me, and I don’t know what to do. I kneel before you and give you this pain to take away, God.
The hurt is too much, and I am turning into a person I am not.
Please give me the courage to forgive as you have forgiven, Lord. You are the only one who judges, so please, God, give me the courage to forgive and let go. Please, God, this pain is depriving me of your love, of the life you planned for me.
I want to free my heart from this pain, Lord. So please teach me to forgive this person. So I may be free to continue living as your daughter, Lord.
Amen.
Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Prayer to Help Me Forgive Myself
Lord, I am praying to you tonight to help me forgive myself.
I have been angry for allowing things to happen to me that I could’ve prevented. I know I have the power to choose my life, but I allowed things that weren’t in line with your teaching, Lord.
I feel angry, sad, and resentful, but most of all, I hate myself. Please teach me to forgive myself. When I sin, you forgive me, so why can’t I do that, too?
Why do I become angry and blame myself for the evil things that happen to me? Why am I so hard on myself, Lord? I know that I am your child, Lord. I know that you love me, but why can’t I love myself?
Please give me the strength and will to forgive myself, Lord, as you have forgiven me. You are merciful and loving, and I only wish I can be like you to myself.
So please, God, when you forgive me for my sins, please give me the power to forgive myself, too.
Amen.
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.
Bible Verses for Repentance And Forgiveness
Jeremiah 31:19
After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
Acts 26:20
but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
Matthew 3:8
Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance
Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
Luke 17:3
Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him.
Prayer Points for Repentance And Forgiveness
- Pray that God would give you a heart of repentance.
- Pray that you would be willing to turn from your sin and follow God.
- Pray that God would forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
- Pray that you would be obedient to God and His Word.
- Pray that you would walk in the light of God’s truth.
- Pray that you would no longer live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
There is no feeling like the peace that comes with repentance and forgiveness from God. When our hearts are heavy with guilt, and we seek out God’s mercy, His divine love washes over us and sets us free.
God is merciful and loving, and He will always forgive you when you ask for forgiveness. All you need to do to repent is to give Him all of your sins, tell Him about your mistakes, ask for forgiveness, have mercy on you, and guide you to follow the path that’s meant for you.
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