A Prayer for the Grace to Forgive
Full Text
Lord, I confess that I am holding something I was not meant to carry. The wound is real. What was done to me was wrong, and I do not want to minimize it or pretend it did not happen. But I also know that unforgiveness is a prison, and I am the one locked inside it. I cannot forgive in my own strength. The hurt is too deep, the offense too real. But You have forgiven me a debt I could never repay. You have absorbed the full cost of my sin and offered me freedom. Help me to extend to others what You have so freely given to me. I choose to forgive — not because the other person deserves it, not because what they did was acceptable, but because You have forgiven me and because I want to be free. Release me from the bitterness that has taken root. Heal the wound beneath the anger. And where reconciliation is possible, make a way. Where it is not, give me peace. Let me walk in the freedom that forgiveness brings.
Scripture References
Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Matthew 6:14–15
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
About This Resource
Compiled
Compiled from multiple identified sources or traditions. Wording has been assembled and edited by the Pray • Affirm • Declare editorial team.
- Tradition
- Contemplative
- Compiled by
- Pray • Affirm • Declare editorial team
- Source
- Compiled from contemplative and pastoral prayer tradition
- Rights / source status
- Assembled from public-domain devotional tradition. Wording has been edited and arranged by the Pray • Affirm • Declare editorial team.
- Usage notes
- Best used in a quiet, unhurried setting. May require returning to multiple times. Suitable for personal prayer, spiritual direction, or inner healing ministry.
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