Yes, God forgives adultery when a person truly repents. King David committed adultery and then murder to hide it, and Psalm 51 is the prayer he wrote when he finally faced what he had done. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Forgiveness from God does not undo the hurt to a husband or wife, and it does not skip the hard work of honesty and repair. Below are prayers of repentance, prayers for a spouse who has been betrayed, and prayers for a marriage trying to heal.
A Prayer of Repentance After Adultery
Lord God, I have sinned against You and against my husband or wife. I broke a promise I made before You, and I have hurt the person who trusted me most. I do not make excuses. I am sorry, not only because I was found out but because it was wrong. Wash me clean, as You promised. Give me the courage to be honest, to end what must be ended, and to bear the consequences without bitterness. Create in me a faithful heart. Amen.
Jesus, You did not condemn the woman brought to You in her sin, but You told her to go and sin no more. Say that to me now. Free me from the shame that keeps me hiding, and from the temptation that keeps pulling me back. Show me every step I must take to make this right. Amen.
Praying Psalm 51
These lines are the heart of the psalm David prayed after his adultery with Bathsheba. Many people pray them slowly, one line at a time.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 (NIV)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 (NIV)
Prayers for a Betrayed Husband or Wife
If your spouse has been unfaithful, you are not the one who needs forgiving. You may need comfort, clarity and time. These prayers are for you.
Lord, my heart is broken. The person I trusted most has been unfaithful and I do not know what to think or what to do. Hold me together. Keep me from decisions made in rage, and from pretending it does not hurt. Give me wise people to talk to, and show me the truth. Amen.
Father, I pray for my husband who has been unfaithful. Bring him to real repentance, not only regret. Let him see what he has done and turn back to You. Whatever happens to our marriage, protect our children and give me peace. Amen.
A word of care: forgiveness is not the same as trust, and it does not mean staying in danger. If you or your children are unsafe, reach out to a pastor, a counsellor or local support services.
A Prayer for a Marriage Healing After Infidelity
God of mercy, we come to You as a couple who have been wounded. Heal what has been broken between us. Give the one who strayed humility and patience, and the one who was betrayed the grace to forgive in time. Help us tell the truth, rebuild trust one day at a time, and find a counsellor who can help us. Make our marriage stronger than it was. Amen.
See also prayers for marriage and prayers for forgiveness.
For Catholics: Confession After Adultery
Catholics confess adultery in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where a priest speaks Christ’s forgiveness and can give counsel. If it has been a long time since your last confession, just tell the priest; he will help you. Before confession you can pray the Act of Contrition.
What the Bible Says About Forgiveness and Faithfulness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:11 (NIV)
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)
When and How to Pray
Pray honestly and specifically, using your own words about what happened. Repentance shows in actions: ending the affair, telling the truth when it is wise to, and accepting help. A pastor or a Christian counsellor can walk with you or with both of you.
Questions People Ask
Does God forgive adultery?
Yes. Scripture promises forgiveness to anyone who confesses and turns away from their sin, and David’s adultery was forgiven. Forgiveness from God still leaves consequences to face and a spouse to make amends to.
How do I pray for my unfaithful husband or wife?
Pray for their repentance, for the truth to come out, for your own protection and peace, and for your children. You do not have to pray for a particular outcome for the marriage while you are still in shock.
Can a marriage survive adultery?
Many do, usually with honesty, time and good counselling. Pray for wisdom about your own situation rather than comparing it with others.
Is there a Catholic prayer for forgiveness of adultery?
Catholics pray the Act of Contrition and confess in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Psalm 51 is also widely prayed.
Who Writes These Prayers
The Holy Land Prayer team writes the prayers on this page. Scripture is quoted from the New International Version.
Last reviewed 28 September 2026 by the Holy Land Prayer team.
A Prayer You Can Send in Writing
Some prayers are easier to write than to say to anyone. If you would like your prayer for forgiveness, for your spouse or for your marriage carried to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, write it in the form at the top of this page. It is printed, placed in one of the chapels and prayed by a priest in English, and a candle is lit on your behalf; photographs of both are sent to you by email. See how it works.
Related Prayers
Prayers for Forgiveness
For forgiving others and being forgiven.
Act of Contrition
Both traditional wordings, and when to pray it.
Prayers for Marriage
For a marriage that is struggling or healing.
Prayers for Comfort
For grief, loss and the hardest days.
Browse the full Prayer Library.
