As it allows believers to make amends with God and one another, forgiveness is a fundamental component of the Christian faith. Forgiveness is something that Catholics value highly, and it is something we should offer to those who have offended us as well as to ourselves.
Prayers For Forgiveness
We want God to purify us of all impurities and restore our true relationship with Him in prayer, where we receive comfort and healing. Discover a selection of scripturally-inspired Catholic prayers for forgiveness that are intended to assist us in pursuing God’s forgiveness and grace.
1. A Prayer for Repentance
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a repentant heart, acknowledging my sins and shortcomings. Please forgive me for the times I have strayed from Your path and fallen short of Your glory.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
2. A Prayer for Mercy
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I humbly come before You, seeking Your forgiveness and Your grace. Wash away my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
3. A Prayer for Forgiving Others
Dear Lord, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Grant me the strength to let go of bitterness and resentment, and to show mercy and compassion to those who have wronged me.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
4. A Prayer for Asking Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, I humbly ask for Your forgiveness for the ways I have sinned against You and others. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness and restore me to fellowship with You.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
5. A Prayer for Letting Go of Guilt
Lord, free me from the burden of guilt and shame. Help me to accept Your forgiveness and to move forward in Your grace and mercy.
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
6. A Prayer for Restoration
Heavenly Father, restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Renew a right spirit within me and help me to walk in Your ways.
Psalm 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
7. A Prayer for Healing
Lord, heal me from the wounds of sin and brokenness. Restore me to wholeness and grant me Your peace.
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
8. A Prayer for Reconciliation
Dear God, reconcile me to Yourself and to others. Help me to seek forgiveness and to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged me.
2 Corinthians 5:18
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
9. A Prayer for Renewal
Lord, renew my mind and transform my heart. Help me to walk in Your ways and to live a life that honors You.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
10. A Prayer for Strength to Resist Temptation
Heavenly Father, give me strength to resist temptation and to turn away from sin. Help me to walk in Your ways and to honor You in all that I do.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
11. A Prayer for Accepting God’s Forgiveness
Lord, I accept Your forgiveness and Your love. Help me to let go of the past and to walk in the freedom of Your grace.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
12. A Prayer for Making Amends
Dear God, help me to make amends for the ways I have hurt others. Grant me the courage to seek forgiveness and to repair the damage I have caused.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
13. A Prayer for Turning Away from Sin
Lord, help me to turn away from sin and to walk in Your ways. Grant me the strength to resist temptation and to live a life that honors You.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
14. A Prayer for Gratitude for God’s Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness and Your grace. Help me to live a life that reflects Your love and mercy.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
15. A Prayer for a Clean Heart
Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to walk in Your ways and to live a life that honors You.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Conclusion
In seeking forgiveness through prayer, we open our hearts to God’s mercy and grace, allowing His love to wash over us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May these prayers for forgiveness help you to find peace, healing, and reconciliation in Christ, as you seek to live a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world. Amen.
