These 28 prayers for forgiveness of sins offer heartfelt ways to seek God’s mercy and cleansing.
Powerful Prayer For Forgiveness Of Sins
Each prayer addresses different aspects of repentance and restoration, accompanied by Scripture verses that affirm God’s promise to forgive those who come to Him with contrite hearts.
1. General Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins
Merciful Father, I come before You acknowledging my sins and failures. Wash me clean with the precious blood of Jesus. Remove every stain of guilt and shame from my heart. Create in me a clean spirit and renew my joy in Your salvation. Help me turn away from sin and walk in Your righteous paths today.
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.” Thank You for Your faithful forgiveness today. Amen.
2. Prayer for Forgiveness of Hidden Sins
All-Knowing God, reveal to me any sins I’ve committed unknowingly or forgotten. Cleanse me from secret faults and hidden wrongs. Illuminate my conscience that I may repent fully. Purify even my unconscious thoughts and motives that don’t please You. Make me wholly Yours in every hidden place of my heart.
Psalm 19:12
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” Search me and cleanse me completely today. Amen.
3. Prayer for Forgiveness of Recurring Sins
Patient Lord, I confess my struggle with sins that keep recurring in my life. Break these cycles of failure and strengthen me to resist temptation. Renew my mind and transform my habits. Fill me with Your Spirit’s power to overcome what I cannot conquer alone. Help me grow in holiness one day at a time.
Romans 7:19
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Free me from this struggle today. Amen.
4. Prayer for Forgiveness of Pride
Humble Savior, forgive my pride that exalts myself above others and You. Tear down my self-righteousness and false superiority. Teach me true humility that serves rather than seeks recognition. Help me boast only in Your cross and see myself as I truly am – a sinner saved by grace alone.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” Make me truly humble today. Amen.
5. Prayer for Forgiveness of Anger
Prince of Peace, forgive my outbursts of anger and grudges I’ve held. Calm my turbulent emotions and heal my wounded heart. Teach me righteous anger against injustice without sinning. Help me forgive as You’ve forgiven me. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding in all situations.
Ephesians 4:26
“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Heal my anger and teach me peace today. Amen.
6. Prayer for Forgiveness of Lust
Pure Creator, forgive my impure thoughts and lustful desires. Cleanse my imagination and discipline my eyes. Help me honor You with my body and see others as souls to cherish, not objects to use. Fill me with holy desires that seek true love rather than selfish pleasure.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Purify my thoughts today. Amen.
7. Prayer for Forgiveness of Greed
Generous Provider, forgive my greed that always wants more. Cure my discontent and envy of others’ blessings. Teach me true gratitude and generosity. Help me store up treasures in heaven rather than hoarding earthly possessions. Make me a cheerful giver who trusts Your provision.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'” Free me from greed today. Amen.
8. Prayer for Forgiveness of Lying
God of Truth, forgive my lies – both big and small. Cleanse me from deception, exaggeration, and false impressions. Make me a person of absolute integrity whose yes means yes and no means no. Guard my tongue from speaking anything untrue or misleading today.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Make me truthful in all things today. Amen.
9. Prayer for Forgiveness of Gossip
Loving God, forgive me for spreading gossip and harming others’ reputations. Cleanse me from enjoying others’ faults and failures. Help me speak words that build up rather than tear down. Guard my conversations today that they may be full of grace and kindness.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Guide my speech today. Amen.
10. Prayer for Forgiveness of Neglecting God
Faithful Lord, forgive me for neglecting our relationship. For days I’ve been too busy for prayer, too distracted for Your Word, too self-reliant to depend on You. Draw me back to first love and teach me to seek You above all else. Renew my passion for Your presence today.
Revelation 2:4
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Restore my first love for You today. Amen.
11. Prayer for Forgiveness of Judging Others
Righteous Judge, forgive me for judging others while ignoring my own faults. Remove the log from my eye before I notice the speck in others’. Help me see people with Your compassion rather than criticism. Teach me to examine my own heart before assessing others.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Give me a non-judgmental heart today. Amen.
12. Prayer for Forgiveness of Unforgiveness
Forgiving Savior, forgive my stubborn refusal to forgive others. Soften my hardened heart toward those who’ve hurt me. Help me release bitterness and choose mercy as You’ve shown me mercy. Teach me to pray for my enemies and bless those who persecute me.
Matthew 6:15
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Help me forgive completely today. Amen.
13. Prayer for Forgiveness of Wasted Time
Eternal God, forgive me for wasting the precious time You’ve given me. For hours spent on trivial pursuits while neglecting what matters most. Teach me to number my days and invest my time wisely. Help me redeem the time for Your glory starting today.
Ephesians 5:16
“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Show me how to use time wisely today. Amen.
14. Prayer for Forgiveness of Neglecting Others
Compassionate Christ, forgive me for ignoring those in need around me. For opportunities to serve that I’ve overlooked. Open my eyes to see You in the poor, lonely, and suffering. Make me Your hands and feet to minister to others today.
Matthew 25:45
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'” Make me attentive to others’ needs today. Amen.
15. Prayer for Forgiveness of Doubt
Faithful God, forgive my doubts when Your promises seem slow. Strengthen my wavering faith and help me trust Your perfect timing. Increase my belief when circumstances confuse me. Thank You for being patient with my weak faith as You continue Your work in me.
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'” Strengthen my faith today. Amen.
16. Prayer for Forgiveness of Worry
Jehovah Jireh, forgive my worry that questions Your provision. Calm my anxious thoughts with Your perfect peace. Help me cast all my cares on You, knowing You care for me. Teach me to seek Your kingdom first, trusting You’ll supply all my needs according to Your riches.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Give me peace instead of worry today. Amen.
17. Prayer for Forgiveness of Complaining
Gracious God, forgive my constant complaining about my circumstances. Replace my grumbling with gratitude for Your countless blessings. Help me see trials as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to complain. Make me content in all situations through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Give me a thankful heart today. Amen.
18. Prayer for Forgiveness of Idolatry
Jealous God, forgive me for putting anything before You – money, relationships, success, or comfort. Tear down every idol in my heart that competes for Your rightful place. Be my first love and highest priority today and always.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Be my only God today. Amen.
19. Prayer for Forgiveness of Hypocrisy
Truthful God, forgive me for pretending to be better than I am. For projecting righteousness while hiding secret sins. Make me authentic in my faith – the same in private as in public. Let my life match my profession of faith starting today.
Matthew 23:28
“In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Make me truly righteous today. Amen.
20. Prayer for Forgiveness of Laziness
Divine Master, forgive my laziness in spiritual and practical matters. Light a fire in me to work diligently as serving You. Help me use my gifts energetically for Your glory rather than wasting time in idleness. Make me productive for Your kingdom today.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Give me diligence today. Amen.
21. Prayer for Forgiveness of Addiction
Delivering God, forgive my slavery to [name addiction]. Break these chains that bind me and restore my freedom in Christ. Give me strength to resist temptation and courage to seek help. Surround me with supportive believers who will encourage my recovery.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Set me completely free today. Amen.
22. Prayer for Forgiveness of Abortion
God of Life, I confess my involvement in abortion. Forgive this sin against Your gift of life. Wash me with Jesus’ blood and heal my deep wounds. Comfort my grief with Your mercy. Help me forgive myself as You’ve forgiven me. Use my story to protect other lives.
Psalm 51:7
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Make me clean again today. Amen.
23. Prayer for Forgiveness of Abuse
Healing God, forgive me for abusive words or actions toward others. For times I’ve used power to hurt rather than protect. Restore those I’ve damaged and change my heart completely. Make me an instrument of healing rather than harm starting today.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Remove all abuse from me today. Amen.
24. Prayer for Forgiveness of Sexual Sin
Holy God, forgive my sexual immorality outside Your design. Cleanse me from impurity and restore my dignity. Help me honor You with my body as Your temple. Guide me into healthy relationships that reflect Your holiness. Renew my mind with Your truth about sexuality.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” Purify me today. Amen.
25. Prayer for Forgiveness of Racism
God of All Nations, forgive my prejudiced thoughts and discriminatory actions. Cleanse me from racial bias and superiority. Help me see all people as equally made in Your image. Make me an agent of reconciliation in a divided world starting today.
Acts 10:34
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.'” Remove all racism from me today. Amen.
26. Prayer for Forgiveness of Witchcraft/Occult
Almighty God, forgive my dabbling in occult practices, horoscopes, or witchcraft. Cleanse me from all involvement with dark spiritual forces. Break every ungodly spiritual tie and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Let me seek guidance only from You through prayer and Your Word.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery…The Lord detests these things.” Deliver me completely today. Amen.
27. Prayer for Forgiveness of Suicide Thoughts
God of Hope, forgive my despair that considered ending the life You gave me. Renew my mind with Your truth and purpose. Surround me with supportive people who will listen and help. Fill me with hope that my story isn’t over and You have plans for my future.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Restore my hope today. Amen.
28. Prayer of Thanksgiving for Forgiveness
Gracious Father, thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness through Christ! I don’t deserve Your mercy, yet You lavish it freely. Thank You for removing my sins as far as east from west. Help me walk in this new freedom and share Your forgiveness with others. May my life reflect my gratitude for Your amazing grace!
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Thank You for complete forgiveness today! Amen.
Conclusion
These 28 prayers for forgiveness of sins cover the full spectrum of human failings and God’s merciful response. Whether you need general cleansing or specific repentance, these petitions will help you approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.
May they lead you to experience the liberating power of forgiveness and the joy of restored relationship with your Heavenly Father.