When our hearts are heavy with regret, the most healing thing we can do is come honestly to God and ask for forgiveness. Scripture assures us that His mercy is greater than our mistakes and that, in Christ, grace stands open to all who come.
Prayer doesn’t minimize sin; it magnifies the Savior who cleanses, restores, and makes us new. Use these Bible-rooted prayers to confess sincerely, receive God’s pardon, and walk forward in renewed peace.
As you pray, remember: the cross is enough, the Father welcomes you, and the Holy Spirit empowers a fresh start.
Prayers Asking For Forgiveness
1. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Forgiveness rests on God’s faithfulness and justice because Jesus paid our debt. Confession is not despair—it’s the doorway to cleansing. He stands ready to forgive.
Prayer:
“Faithful God, I confess my sins without excuse. Wash me clean of every hidden thought, careless word, and selfish deed. Because of Jesus, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Restore my fellowship with You and steady my heart in Your grace. Amen.”
2. Psalm 51:1–2
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness… Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
David appeals to God’s lovingkindness, not his own goodness. Mercy meets us at our worst and brings real cleansing. God’s love is the basis of our hope.
Prayer:
“Loving Father, I have sinned. According to Your steadfast love, have mercy on me. Wash me thoroughly; cleanse what guilt has stained. Lift shame from my soul and renew my heart to love what You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
3. Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
God invites reason and repentance with a promise of powerful cleansing. No stain is beyond His reach. He doesn’t just cover; He makes new.
Prayer:
“Holy Lord, my sins feel like scarlet, but Your Word says You make me white as snow. I receive the cleansing purchased by Jesus. Remove my guilt, restore my joy, and clothe me with Your righteousness. Thank You for mercy stronger than my sin. Amen.”
4. Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
God doesn’t file our failures for future use; He removes them. Forgiveness creates true distance between us and our sins. Rest in that freedom.
Prayer:
“Father, thank You for removing my sins far from me. I release self-condemnation and agree with Your mercy. Help me walk in the freedom You provide and remember grace more than my past. Keep me close to Your heart. Amen.”
5. Micah 7:18–19
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity… he will turn again, he will have compassion… thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
God delights in mercy and buries sins beyond retrieval. His compassion is our confidence. He overrules our failures with forgiveness.
Prayer:
“God of compassion, pardon my iniquity and cast my sins into the depths. Subdue my transgressions and break sin’s hold on my heart. Let Your delight in mercy define my story and teach me to live forgiven. Amen.”
6. Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
Repentance isn’t punishment; it’s turning to life. God blots out our sins—erasing the record because of Jesus. Times of refreshing follow repentance.
Prayer:
“Lord, I turn from my sin and turn to You. Blot out my transgressions and write Your truth on my heart. Refresh me with Your presence. Change my desires and lead me in a new way of obedience. Amen.”
7. Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Forgiveness is costly—the blood of Christ—but freely given out of grace. Redemption secures a permanent standing of favor. Receive with humility and gratitude.
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for redeeming me by Your blood. I receive Your forgiveness and stand in grace. Cleanse my conscience, silence accusation, and anchor me in Your love. Let gratitude shape my choices today. Amen.”
8. Colossians 1:13–14
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son… even the forgiveness of sins.”
Forgiveness transfers us from darkness to light, from bondage to belonging. Our identity changes in Christ. Live as one set free.
Prayer:
“Father, deliver me from every dark pattern and root me in Jesus’ kingdom. Forgive my sins and establish me in Your light. Teach me to live as Your beloved child, free, faithful, and full of hope. Amen.”
9. Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
In Christ, the verdict is settled: no condemnation. Accusations may shout, but the cross speaks louder. Walk under grace, not guilt.
Prayer:
“Lord, I reject condemnation and receive Your grace in Christ. Thank You that I am forgiven and free. Help me to walk by the Spirit, leave old ways behind, and live in the joy of Your pardon. Amen.”
10. Romans 3:23–24
“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Our need is universal; God’s grace is sufficient for all. Justification is a gift, we are declared righteous because of Jesus.
Prayer:
“Righteous God, I confess I’ve fallen short. Justify me freely by Your grace. Cover me with Christ’s righteousness, free me from guilt, and teach me to live in grateful obedience. Thank You for the gift I could never earn. Amen.”
11. Romans 5:8–9
“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us… being now justified by his blood.”
God loved us at our worst. Christ’s blood justifies us and secures peace with God. Forgiveness starts with love.
Prayer:
“Father, thank You for loving me in my sin and sending Jesus for me. By His blood, justify and cleanse me. Settle my heart in Your peace and teach me to live as one dearly loved. Amen.”
12. Hebrews 9:14
“How much more shall the blood of Christ… purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Forgiveness reaches our conscience, freeing us from guilt and striving. We’re cleansed to serve gladly.
Prayer:
“Jesus, purge my conscience by Your blood. Lift the weight of guilt and rescue me from performance-driven religion. Fill me with willing love to serve the living God in freedom and joy. Amen.”
13. Hebrews 8:12
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
God chooses not to remember what He has forgiven. We can stop rehearsing what He has released. Live in new-covenant mercy.
Prayer:
“Covenant God, thank You for choosing to remember my sins no more. Help me agree with Your mercy and stop reliving my failures. Let gratitude replace regret and worship replace worry. Amen.”
14. Psalm 32:1
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
Forgiveness is true happiness, freedom from the burden of guilt. When sin is covered by grace, we can breathe again.
Prayer:
“Lord, I receive the blessing of Your forgiveness. Cover my sins with Your mercy and lift the weight from my soul. Restore my joy and guard my heart from returning to old patterns. Keep me humble and grateful. Amen.”
15. Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Hiding keeps us stuck; confession opens the door to mercy. God not only forgives, He empowers us to forsake sin.
Prayer:
“Merciful Father, I uncover my sin before You. Have mercy on me, and give me grace to turn from every wrong way. Strengthen my resolve, change my desires, and surround me with support to walk in freedom. Amen.”
16. Luke 7:47
“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.”
Great forgiveness produces great love. Jesus honors repentant hearts, regardless of their past. Love flows from being loved.
Prayer:
“Jesus, You know the depth of my sins and the greater depth of Your grace. Forgive me fully, and teach me to love You much. Let gratitude transform my actions and heal my relationships. Amen.”
17. Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Even on the cross, Jesus prayed forgiveness over sinners. His heart is mercy, even when we fail. Receive and reflect that mercy. Prayer:
“Father, forgive me for sins I knew and those I didn’t recognize. Thank You for Jesus’ prayer over me. Heal what I have harmed, redeem what I have broken, and make me an agent of forgiveness to others. Amen.”
18. Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Receiving forgiveness and extending it are tied together in Jesus’ prayer. Grace flows to us and through us.
Prayer:
“Lord, forgive my debts, every careless word, selfish choice, and stubborn attitude. By Your Spirit, I forgive those who have wronged me. Break bitterness, soften my heart, and let mercy mark my life. Amen.”
19. Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any…”
Unforgiveness clogs our hearts; forgiveness opens the flow of grace. Prayer and pardon go together.
Prayer:
“Father, I release those who have hurt me. I choose to forgive because You have forgiven me. Cleanse my heart of resentment, heal my wounds, and restore fellowship with You in unhindered grace. Amen.”
20. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn… then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin.”
God meets humility with hearing and forgiveness. Turning from sin toward His face brings healing to lives and homes.
Prayer:
“Holy God, I humble myself before You. I seek Your face and turn from my sin. Hear my prayer, forgive my failures, and heal my life and family. Restore what sin has damaged and make us whole. Amen.”
21. Psalm 51:10 KJV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Forgiveness cleanses; renewal reorients. God not only removes guilt; He reshapes our inner life.
Prayer:
“Creator God, cleanse my heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Remove what is crooked; make me upright in Christ. Fill me with Your Spirit and align my desires with Your will. Restore joy in obedience. Amen.”
22. Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way… and let him return unto the LORD… for he will abundantly pardon.”
God invites return with the promise of abundant pardon. His mercy is not scarce; it overflows.
Prayer:
“Lord, I forsake my ways and thoughts that oppose You. I return to You with repentance and hope. Abundantly pardon me, and fill me with Your life. Thank You for welcoming me home. Amen.”
23. Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”
We cannot earn forgiveness; we receive it by mercy through Christ. Grace rescues us from self-reliance.
Prayer:
“Merciful Savior, I abandon self-righteousness and throw myself on Your mercy. Save and cleanse me—not because of what I’ve done, but because of who You are. Let Your grace teach me to live a new life. Amen.”
24. 1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree… by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Jesus carried our sins to the cross, so we could die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds, we are healed.
Prayer:
“Jesus, You bore my sins in Your body. I receive Your forgiveness and healing. Help me die to sin and live for righteousness today. Let Your wounds speak peace to my conscience and strength to my will. Amen.”
25. John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus is the Lamb, our perfect sacrifice. He takes away sin’s guilt and power for all who trust Him. Look to Him and live.
Prayer:
“Lamb of God, take away my sin, its guilt and its grip. Wash me clean and make me new. I trust Your finished work and rest in Your saving love. Lead me in the freedom You give. Amen.”
26. Acts 10:43
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
Through Jesus’ name, forgiveness is promised to all who believe. No one is excluded; faith receives what grace provides.
Prayer:
“Lord, I believe in Jesus and receive the remission of my sins. Cleanse my record and change my heart. Write Your name over my life and lead me in the liberty of forgiveness. Amen.”
27. 1 John 2:1
“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
When we sin, Christ pleads our case and points to His finished sacrifice. Our hope is not our defense, it’s our Advocate.
Prayer:
“Jesus, my Advocate, I bring my sin to You. Thank You for standing for me before the Father. Forgive me, restore me, and keep me from falling. Teach me to abide in You, righteous and at peace. Amen.”
28. Psalm 130:3–4
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”
None of us could stand if God kept score. Forgiveness is His gift, leading us to reverent love, not careless living.
Prayer:
“Lord, if You counted my sins, I could not stand. But with You there is forgiveness—thank You. Teach me holy awe, deep gratitude, and a life that honors Your mercy. Keep me humble and devoted. Amen.”
29. James 4:8,10
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
God comes close to the contrite. Humility and repentance invite His lifting grace. Forgiveness ushers in nearness.
Prayer:
“Father, I draw near with a humble heart. Cleanse my hands and purify my thoughts. Lift me from guilt into Your grace. Let Your nearness be my comfort and Your Spirit my strength to walk uprightly. Amen.”
30. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help.”
Because of Jesus, we approach God’s throne with boldness. Mercy and timely grace await the repentant. Come, and receive.
Prayer:
“Gracious Lord, I come boldly through Jesus. I need mercy and grace to help right now. Forgive my sins, steady my heart, and lead me in a new path. Thank You that Your grace is greater than my failings. Amen.”
Conclusion
God’s forgiveness is deeper than your deepest failure and stronger than your strongest shame. Because of Jesus, confession leads to cleansing and repentance leads to restoration.
You are not defined by what you’ve done but by what Christ has done for you. Keep praying these Scriptures. Let them shape your confession, steady your faith, and inspire your obedience.
As you return to God again and again, expect His mercy to meet you, His Spirit to strengthen you, and His grace to lead you into freedom and joy. The Father delights to forgive, and to make all things new.