All PostsGet the app
Prayers

6 Prayers for Forgiveness

Bible Widgets app icon

Bible Widgets app

Turn today's verse into a daily habit

Bible verses and prayers, delivered every day. ★ 4.9 on the App Store

Get the app

Free to start. Cancel anytime.

Six short prayers for forgiveness — for asking it, for receiving it, and for finding the will to extend it to someone who hurt you.

August 20, 2026
·
3 min
Illustration of a kintsugi bowl mended with gold

Forgiveness runs in two directions and neither is easy. Asking for it means admitting the thing. Giving it means letting go of a debt you are owed.

These six prayers hold both. Some are for what you need forgiven; some are for the person you cannot yet forgive. Say the short one if that is all you have tonight.

6 Prayers for Forgiveness

1. Asking first

Forgive me, Lord, for my sins, and help me to forgive those who have wronged me.

“Forgive me, Lord, for my sins, and help me to forgive those who have wronged me.”

2. For a hard heart

God, soften my heart toward the ones who hurt me. I cannot do this without You.

“God, soften my heart toward the ones who hurt me. I cannot do this without You.”

3. A clean sweep

Dear God, please forgive me of my sins. Remove anything from my heart that is not like You.

“Dear God, please forgive me of my sins. Remove anything from my heart that is not like You.”

4. Borrowing the pattern

Jesus, help me forgive the way You forgive me.

“Jesus, help me forgive the way You forgive me.”

5. Short and honest

Lord, forgive my sins and renew my spirit. Amen.

“Lord, forgive my sins and renew my spirit. Amen.”

6. The longer version

Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins. Please cleanse my heart and help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.

“Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins. Please cleanse my heart and help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.”

Keep reading