How to Truly Let Go? 20 Prayers to Help You Forgive Others and Yourself
My friends,
In our journey through life, hurt is unavoidable. We can be hurt by others, and we can also be the ones who cause pain. Unforgiven hurts are like heavy chains, binding our hearts and preventing us from moving forward in true freedom. Forgiveness isn’t just a command from God; it’s the only way for us to free ourselves and find peace.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14, KJV)
This verse makes it clear: forgiveness isn’t an option; it’s a necessity. It’s not an emotion but a choice of the will. When we choose to forgive, we are declaring to God and to ourselves that we are willing to let go of bitterness and allow God to heal us.
Today, I want to share 20 powerful prayers to help you. These prayers are divided into two parts: one for forgiving others, and the other for seeking forgiveness for ourselves. May these prayers be your key to peace and freedom.
Part 1: Forgiving Others
Forgiving others is a difficult process, but it’s the path to inner peace. When you feel unable to forgive, use these prayers as a way to pour out your heart to God.
1. A Prayer for the Strength to Forgive
“Lord, my heart is in pain because of the hurt caused by (Name). I admit I cannot forgive in my own strength. I ask you for supernatural strength to forgive them just as you have forgiven me.”
2. A Prayer to Release Bitterness and Resentment
“Heavenly Father, I hand over all the bitterness, resentment, and anger in my heart to you. These feelings are like poison. Please remove them and fill my heart with your peace.”
3. A Prayer for Those Who Have Hurt You
“Lord Jesus, I pray for (Name). Please bless them, soften their heart, and help them to know you. I choose to bless them rather than curse them, because you taught us to love our enemies.” This kind of radical love is a core part of how the Bible teaches husbands to love their wives, which is a high calling for all believers.
4. A Prayer to Heal Past Wounds
“Abba Father, my past hurts me like a shadow. Please touch my wounded heart and heal the scars left by this pain. Let your love fill the empty places within me.”
5. A Prayer to Break the Cycle of Hatred
“God, I don’t want to pass this resentment on to others. I declare that from today on, I choose to break this cycle. I forgive, I release, and I allow your grace to flow in my life.”
6. A Prayer to Choose Grace over Revenge
“Lord, I feel the urge to seek revenge. Please help me resist this temptation. Let me choose grace instead of revenge; this is a powerful step in growing in grace and mercy instead of judgment.”
7. A Prayer to Forget the Hurt
“Lord, I give you the memory of this hurt. Please help me to forget those painful details and let your peace overcome my memory. Let me remember only your love and redemption.”
8. A Prayer for a Change of Heart
“God, my heart is hard and unwilling to forgive. Please give me a soft heart, one that is willing to forgive. I want to follow your example, for your heart is full of compassion.”
9. A Prayer for Restoring a Relationship
“Lord, I place my broken relationship with (Name) into your hands. If it is your will, please restore our relationship. If not, please help me to let go and move forward, unbound by the past.”
10. A Prayer to Declare Freedom
“In the name of Jesus, I declare that I have forgiven (Name). I release them from the prison of my heart. I declare that I am free! My heart is free!” This act of letting go is the first step to finding the kind of spiritual rest we need to face life’s challenges, just as Jesus holds us steady in the fiercest storms.
Part 2: Seeking Forgiveness for Ourselves
Forgiving others requires strength, but seeking God’s forgiveness for ourselves requires courage and humility. We are both the hurt and the hurter.
11. A Prayer of Repentance for Our Sins
“Heavenly Father, I come before you to confess that I have sinned. I have not lived according to your will, and my words and actions have hurt my spouse, (Name), or others. Please forgive my transgressions.”
12. A Prayer of Repentance for Unforgiveness
“Lord, my unwillingness to forgive others was also my sin. I have not followed your example. Please forgive the bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart.”
13. A Prayer of Repentance for Pride
“God, my pride has kept me from admitting my wrongs. Please remove my pride and give me a humble heart that can see my own faults and freely confess them.”
14. A Prayer to Restore a Relationship with God
“Jesus, I feel distant from you because of my sin. Please restore our relationship. I want to be close to you again and live a life that honors you.” This is the core of our faith, and it is a gift that is freely given, just as the resurrection of Jesus reveals our hope today.
15. A Prayer for a Clean Heart
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, KJV) “I ask you to cleanse me from all unrighteousness, so that I can have a fresh start with you and with others.”
16. A Prayer for Restitution
“Lord, if I have wronged someone, please show me how to make it right. Give me the courage and humility to apologize and seek reconciliation, just as you taught us to do.”
17. A Prayer for God’s Grace
“Father, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I receive it by your grace. Thank you for the cross, where Jesus paid the price for all my sins. I rest in your amazing grace.”
18. A Prayer to Break Sinful Habits
“Lord, I pray for freedom from the sinful habits that lead me to hurt others. Please break the chains of sin in my life and empower me to live a life that is pleasing to you.”
19. A Prayer to Forgive Myself
“God, help me to forgive myself. I hold onto guilt and shame, but I know you have already forgiven me. Please help me to release the guilt and accept your grace, so that I can move forward in freedom.”
20. A Prayer to Receive God’s Love
“Thank you, God, for your love that covers all my sins. I receive your love today and choose to live in the freedom that comes from knowing I am completely forgiven. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Conclusion
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary. It’s a gift we give to others, but it’s a gift we receive for ourselves. It is our key to a life of freedom, peace, and spiritual growth. Use these prayers as a guide, and remember that with God’s help, you can let go of the past and embrace a future filled with grace.
Which of these prayers resonates most with you? How has forgiveness brought freedom to your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s pray for one another. 🙏
