As part of your prayer request, you may find that you’re struggling with the idea of putting together a prayer for forgiveness toward other people. When a person hurts you, it’s understandable that you may hold on to some sense of resentment for a period of time. However, when you come to a greater sense of peace and connection with God, you will find a great amount of understanding in his bigger plan for your life. Here is a traditional Christian prayer for forgiveness:
“Heavenly Father, I come before you today in need of your forgiveness. I have sinned against you and those around me, and I ask for your mercy. I confess my faults and ask for your help to overcome them. I ask for your forgiveness and the strength to forgive those who have wronged me. I thank you for your grace and love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
You will receive photos of your printed prayer request placed on the Stone of Anointing; the place where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial after his crucifixion.
Catholic Prayer for Forgiving Other People
If you follow the Catholic faith, there are several variations of a Catholic prayer request that you can make for forgiveness of other people. One of the beautiful things about a Catholic prayer for forgiving other people is that you can call on the Virgin Mary, saints and angels during your prayer request. If you feel as though you need inspiration for your prayer, here is a traditional Catholic prayer for forgiving others:
“Heavenly Father, I humbly come before you today to ask for your help in forgiving others. I know that forgiveness is not always easy, but with your grace and strength, I can let go of the hurt and anger in my heart.
I ask for the grace to forgive those who have wronged me, whether it be in big or small ways. I pray for the ability to see others through your eyes, full of love and compassion.
Help me to let go of resentment and bitterness, and to replace them with forgiveness and love. I trust in your infinite mercy and kindness.
Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and all the angels and saints, I pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
How to Ask God to Forgive Other People
When it comes to how to ask God to forgive other people, you may want to include in your prayer request a prayer for strength. Finding the strength for forgiveness is something that can be challenging at times which is why we should always turn to God for help. Here is a prayer you can use to ask God to forgive others:
“Heavenly Father, I come before you today to lift up those who have hurt me and others. I ask for your forgiveness for them, just as you have forgiven me. I pray that your love and grace would surround them, and that they would come to know the truth of your forgiveness.
I ask that you would change their hearts and help them to see the error of their ways. I pray that they would seek your forgiveness and turn away from their sins. I trust in your power to forgive and change lives.
I also ask that you would help me to forgive them as well. Give me your strength and grace to let go of bitterness and resentment. Help me to see them through your eyes, full of love and compassion.
I pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
It is important to remember that praying for others is a way to release our own bitterness, anger and resentments and leave the final decision to God. Also, it is important to understand that forgiveness is a process that takes time, and we need to be patient with ourselves and others in this process.
Prayer for Peace after Forgiveness
Saying a prayer for peace as part of your prayer for forgiveness is something that can change your outlook on the challenges that you have faced during this process. Here is a prayer you can use to ask for peace after forgiving others:
“Heavenly Father, I come before you today in gratefulness for your grace and forgiveness. I thank you for the gift of forgiveness and the peace it brings to my heart. I have been able to forgive those who have hurt me, and I ask for your continued guidance in this process.
I also ask for your peace to fill my heart and mind. I pray that you would replace any lingering bitterness or hurt with your peace and love. I trust in your promise to be my peace and to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
I pray for peace in the relationships that have been restored through forgiveness. I ask that you would bring healing and reconciliation where it is needed. Help me to continue to walk in forgiveness and love towards others.
I also pray for peace in the world, for an end to conflicts and wars, and for the healing of all broken relationships. I pray that your love and peace would be evident in every heart and every nation.
I pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
It is important to remember that forgiveness brings peace not only to ourselves but also to others, and that peace is not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of love and understanding.