Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things God asks us to do as Christians. When someone hurts us in any way, naturally we would want to “get even” or pay them back for what they have done.
But God always asks us to take the high road. We are the light of the world and he wants us to live differently. Because God himself has forgiven us our sins, he asks us to do the same for others.
Through these 5 powerful prayers to forgive others, you will be encouraged to take the first steps toward forgiveness. As we embark on the journey of healing we need to release any feelings of pain and resentment that we may feel.
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Why is it Important to Forgive Others
We forgive others because we are Jesus’ disciples and we follow his example as our leader. One of the key moments where we see Jesus’ incredible mercy is at the cross when he asks God to forgive the people who were crucifying him.
God forgives us our sins and the Bible says we should do the same to others. We must forgive so that our prayers are not hindered. When we harbor unforgiveness and resentment in our hearts, it blocks our prayers from reaching God.
Forgiveness is so important to God and that’s why he even included it as part of The Lord’s prayer which we are to repeat often.
Give us today the food we need,
Matthew 6:11-12 NLT
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
It’s important to forgive others because the truth is we’re not perfect. As much as we’ve been hurt, we’ve also hurt others. The Bible is clear that we are all sinners and only God is perfect.
- But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Mark 11:25 NLT
- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 ESV
Forgiveness makes us better people who can experience joy, accept others and manage relationships. People who are forgiving are more healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Prayers to Forgive Others
Instead of living with anger and bitterness towards those who hurt us, the Bible says we must forgive. It’s never easy but there is freedom and peace when we let go of the pain.
The Holy Spirit will walk with us on this difficult journey. As we embrace the grace and mercy shown to us by God, we can extend the same to others. It’s a two-way street.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that saved me from darkness into the light. As l am now the light of the world, you call me to a higher standard of living. I am called to be different in how l treat those around me and even in how I respond to situations.
Some people have caused me pain. Help me today to forgive them and extend to them the same amazing grace you’ve shown me. It’s not easy for me but l want to experience true freedom without any bitterness in my heart. Amen.
Prayer to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You
The most important commandment God has given us is to love God and love others. According to 1 Corinthians 13, love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs.
When someone hurts us, it can leave us wounded and we certainly struggle to love. We need God to guide us as we seek to forgive and love again.
Lord, I have been hurt and wounded. I feel so much pain and at times l want to seek revenge. I know this won’t change things so l ask that you lead me as l desire to forgive.
The love of God compels me to show unconditional love even to those who hurt me. Help me not to be controlled by my emotions. I rather ask that the truth in your word would guide me on this path of letting go, showing love, and forgiving those who’ve hurt me.
In Jesus’ name l pray. Amen.
Prayer to Forgive Others for Their Sins
We can accept that other people sin and forgive them because we know that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and mercy.
It’s not easy when someone sins and is not repentant, but in the same way, Jesus forgave even those who nailed him on the cross, we are called to do the same.
O God, l realize that l am a sinner who needs your grace to redeem me. In the same manner, others around me sin against you. May l forgive them today as l ask that you would show them kindness and mercy.
Take away our sins Lord and cleanse our hearts and minds from unrighteousness. Grant us reconciliation with you and each other. May we abide in your ways and obey your word always.
In Jesus’ name l pray. Amen.
Prayer to Forgive Others for spreading Lies About You
One of the most painful things that can happen is for someone to spread lies about you. It’s called slander and what may happen is that no one believes you and you end up losing your reputation, friends, a position you hold, or even your job.
Forgiving can seem nearly impossible in such a case and you need to call upon the Lord to walk with you on this journey. He will comfort you and ensure you get the justice you need. But he still wants you to forgive the person who has hurt you. Let’s pray.
God thank you for the gift of life and the many blessings you pour on me as your child. I come to you asking that you would heal me from the pain of people who have spread lies about me. Your word says the truth will set us free and l believe that you will help me to get justice and be free.
You are my Creator who knows my heart and who l am so l cannot hide from you. Guide me as l desire to obey you and forgive those who have spread lies against me. May l redeem everything l have lost because of these lies.
I come to you for healing and comfort. Amen.
Prayer to Forgive Others for Childhood Trauma
When we are kids we can go through the kind of trauma that we are not able to express, let alone deal with. This unresolved trauma can haunt us and affect our lives even as adults.
It can be hurtful words that someone said that affected your self-esteem for years. Or it was bullying. Sometimes those meant to protect us as kids are the ones who hurt us.
Whether the trauma was caused by someone in your family, a friend, a teacher, or a stranger, you need to find it in your heart to forgive them.
Lord, thank you for the gift of forgiveness that you’ve given to us. As a child l faced pain caused by those who were supposed to protect and love me. While l can’t change the past, I can surely change the future.
I pray that l would heal from the pain l went through. May l allow my mind to dwell on what is right, pure, lovely, excellent, and worthy of praise as your word says in Philippians 4:8. Help me not to seek revenge or repeat the hurt I’ve experienced on others.
I embrace the love of God shown to me when Jesus died for me on the cross. I choose to be a vessel of that love as an ambassador of Christ. Amen.
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We forgive others because God says we should and obeying God leads to blessings. God knows what’s best for us and surely he wouldn’t ask us to do something that doesn’t benefit us.
Scripture continually reminds us the importance of forgiveness as a Christian.
It’s not possible to have long and healthy relationships if you hold on to grudges. People will fall short and sin because we live in a fallen world. Accepting this truth and being able to extend grace to others will save us from stress and disappointment.
While it’s not easy to forgive others when they hurt us, it’s necessary. We experience peace, freedom, and healing when we choose to do it. It’s a worthwhile journey to embark on with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Hopefully, you can use these prayers to forgive others to guide you in your own journey of seeking forgiveness from people in your life.
And make sure you pray to forgive yourself of anything that may be taking up space in your heart.
