Forgiving those who have hurt us can be one of the most challenging yet freeing things we do. Holding onto anger or resentment can weigh heavily on our hearts, but through prayer, we can find the strength to release those feelings and forgive, as God has called us to do. Here is a prayer for the forgiveness of others who have hurt you, along with a few variations that you can use depending on your situation:
1. Prayer for the Strength to Forgive
Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that is burdened by hurt and pain caused by others. I know that You have called me to forgive, just as You have forgiven me. But Lord, it is difficult, and I struggle with letting go of the anger and hurt. Please give me the strength and the grace I need to forgive those who have hurt me. Soften my heart, and remind me of the freedom that comes with forgiveness. Help me to release these burdens into Your hands, trusting that You will bring healing to my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Prayer to Release Resentment
Dear God, I ask for Your help in releasing the resentment that I have been holding onto. I know that holding onto these feelings only keeps me in chains, and I want to be free from the pain that is weighing me down. Lord, I choose to forgive those who have wronged me, even if my emotions are slow to follow. Please heal the wounds they have caused, and fill my heart with peace instead of anger. I trust that You are the righteous judge and that You will handle everything justly. Help me to focus on Your love rather than the hurt. Amen.
3. Prayer for Healing and Forgiveness
Lord, I come to You with a heart that has been hurt. I know that You understand my pain and the struggles I am going through. I ask that You heal my heart and help me to forgive those who have hurt me, even when it feels impossible. Give me a heart like Yours, full of love and mercy, so that I can let go of the bitterness that tries to take root. May Your love replace the anger in my heart, and may Your grace guide me toward true forgiveness. I release this pain to You, Lord, and I ask for Your healing touch. Amen.
4. Prayer for Forgiving Someone Who Deeply Hurt You
Father, I come to You feeling wounded by the actions of someone I trusted. I know that forgiveness is what You desire, but I struggle with the pain they have caused me. Please help me to forgive them, not because they deserve it, but because You have forgiven me. Teach me how to let go of the need for revenge or justice, and to trust that You will take care of everything in Your time. Give me the courage to let go of this burden and to move forward with a heart that is free. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Prayer for Forgiving Repeated Hurts
Lord, I come to You, feeling hurt by the repeated actions of others. It’s hard for me to forgive when the same wounds are opened again and again. But I know that holding onto bitterness only hurts me more. Please give me the grace to forgive, even when it feels like too much. Help me to set healthy boundaries, but also to keep my heart open to Your healing. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me, and let Your love flow through me, even to those who have hurt me. Amen.
6. Prayer for Finding Peace After Forgiveness
Dear God, I have made the decision to forgive those who have hurt me, but my heart still feels heavy. Please fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Heal the wounds that remain and help me to find joy again. Let me see the person who hurt me through Your eyes, and help me to move forward without anger or resentment. May Your peace wash over me, and may I find freedom in knowing that I am letting go of what I cannot control. Thank You, Lord, for giving me the strength to forgive and for walking with me through this journey. Amen.
7. Prayer for Releasing the Pain to God
Heavenly Father, I bring my pain to You because it is too heavy for me to carry alone. I have been hurt deeply, and the scars feel fresh. But I don’t want to hold onto this hurt any longer. I ask You to take this pain from me and replace it with Your healing love. I choose to forgive, even when it is hard, because I know that You have forgiven me of so much. Help me to release every hurtful memory, and to find peace in Your presence. Thank You, Lord, for being my refuge. Amen.
8. Prayer for Mercy and Compassion
Lord, help me to show mercy and compassion to those who have wronged me, just as You have shown mercy to me. It’s not easy, but I know that through Your strength, I can do all things. Let Your love fill my heart so that I can forgive freely, without holding back. Help me to remember that forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it sets me free from the chains of bitterness. Thank You, Lord, for showing me what it means to love unconditionally. Amen.
9. Prayer for Letting Go of Anger
Dear God, I am struggling with anger toward those who have hurt me, and I don’t want it to control my heart any longer. Please help me to let go of this anger and replace it with a spirit of forgiveness. Teach me to respond with love instead of resentment. Show me how to move forward without carrying the burden of past hurts. Help me to focus on Your goodness rather than the pain. I know that true freedom comes from letting go, and I trust that You will guide me in this process. Amen.
10. Prayer for Forgiving and Moving On
Father, I want to forgive and move on from the hurt that has been done to me. I ask for the grace to truly release those who have hurt me, so that I can be free from the past. Help me to see them as You see them, and to extend the same forgiveness that You have given to me. As I let go of this pain, fill my heart with hope for the future. May I walk in the freedom that comes from Your love, and may I experience the joy that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thoughts
Forgiving others can be a long and sometimes difficult journey, but it is one that leads to true freedom and peace. These prayers can serve as a guide as you seek God’s help in letting go of past hurts. Remember that forgiveness is a process, and it is okay to take your time. What matters most is your willingness to ask God for His help and to open your heart to the healing that He offers. May these prayers bring you closer to the peace and wholeness that God desires for you.