Prayer of Forgiveness

God, forgive me…

For the times I put my own desires ahead of what You wanted for me.

I chose what felt good in the moment instead of trusting what was good for my soul. I see now that Your way leads to life, and mine only led to emptiness.

For the times I failed to trust in You.

I leaned on my own understanding and tried to control outcomes You were already working out for good. Help me to rest in Your sovereignty.

For the times I lacked faith.

I let doubt silence my prayers and forgot that nothing is impossible for You. Lord, renew my confidence in Your power.

For the many lies I've told.

From half-truths to outright deception, I distorted what is sacred—truth. Forgive me for every dishonest word spoken in fear or selfishness.

For the times I've stolen what doesn't belong to me.

Whether tangible or not—time, peace, trust—I took without regard. Restore integrity to my heart, and make me a steward, not a thief.

For the times I've looked with lust.

I allowed my eyes to wander and my heart to desire what was not mine. Purify my gaze and teach me to see people through Your eyes.

For the times I've watched things I shouldn't have.

I opened the door to darkness and ignored the conviction You placed within me. Cleanse my mind and fill it with things that are true, noble, and pure.

For the times I've let anger and even hatred build up in my heart.

Instead of offering grace, I harbored resentment. Teach me to forgive quickly and love deeply, just as You have loved me.

For the times I've gossiped about people behind their backs.

I used my words to damage, not to heal. I tore down when I should have built up. Lord, help me to speak life and walk in love.

For the times I allowed substances to become lord over my life.

I bowed to false masters and let them numb what only You could heal. Thank You for delivering me—I surrender again today.

For the times I've wanted what someone else had.

I let comparison steal my contentment and forgot that You are my portion. Forgive me for the jealousy that kept me from gratitude.

For the times I failed to pray.

I acted like I could do life without You. I neglected the most beautiful part of our relationship—time spent together. Draw me back into constant communion with You.

For the times I saw someone struggling and chose not to help.

I looked the other way when I should have been Your hands and feet. Forgive my apathy, and help me live with compassion in action.

For the times I should have shared the gospel but didn’t.

Out of fear or indifference, I withheld the very hope that saved me. Give me boldness to speak truth and love to those who need You.

For the times I've said things I shouldn't have.

Hurtful, reckless, impure words—spoken in anger or pride. Forgive me for the damage I've caused with my tongue, and teach me to speak with wisdom and kindness.

For the times I've behaved in sexually immoral ways—adultery, perversion, or sex before marriage.

I stepped outside of Your design and treated intimacy without reverence. Yet in Your mercy, You still call me back. Cleanse me and restore what I’ve broken.

For the times I rebelled against my parents.

I disrespected the ones You gave me and ignored their love and instruction. Heal those relationships and give me a heart of honor.

For the times I rebelled against You.

I ran from Your truth and chose rebellion over obedience. Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I turned away.

For the times I knew what was right and didn’t do it.

I let convenience and fear silence conviction. Forgive me for being passive in righteousness. Give me strength to walk in obedience.

For the times I knew what I was doing was wrong and did it anyway.

I hardened my heart to Your Spirit and chose sin deliberately. Thank You for not casting me away but lovingly drawing me back.

For the times I pretended to be someone I wasn't.

I wore masks to be liked and accepted, forgetting that I am fully known and fully loved by You. Help me to walk in truth and identity.

For the times I tried to fit in with the world.

I dimmed my light to avoid rejection, but You call me to be set apart. Let my life reflect You, even when it costs me.

For the times I was motivated by greed.

I chased more and more, thinking it would satisfy, but nothing fills me like You do. Forgive me for loving things more than I loved You.

For the times I let pride rule in my heart.

I exalted myself, tried to take credit, and looked down on others. Lord, humble me and remind me that apart from You, I am nothing.

For the times I wasted the time and gifts You gave me.

You entrusted me with purpose, talent, and opportunities, yet I buried them in distraction and fear. Teach me to steward my life for Your glory.

Father, I lay all of this and whatever hidden sin I failed to mention at Your feet—not to wallow in shame, but to receive Your mercy.

Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the blood that speaks a better word. Thank You that forgiveness is not something I earn, but something You offer through grace. Cleanse me, renew me, and help me walk in the freedom You’ve already paid for.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,

Amen.