Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet freeing acts of faith. When others hurt, betray, or disappoint us, our natural instinct is often to hold on to resentment or anger. However, God calls us to a higher path — a path of grace, mercy, and peace. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing but about releasing the burden that weighs down our hearts. It allows healing to flow, bitterness to dissolve, and divine love to reign within us.
The Bible reminds us in Matthew 6:14–15 that forgiving others is deeply connected to receiving God’s forgiveness. When we let go of offenses, we make room for peace, joy, and restoration. Forgiving others doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt — it means trusting God to heal what we cannot. It’s a sacred exchange of pain for peace and vengeance for victory.
Many people struggle to forgive because the wounds are deep and personal. But through prayer, the Holy Spirit softens hardened hearts and teaches us how to extend the same mercy that God has shown us. True forgiveness brings emotional and spiritual freedom. It allows us to walk in love, rebuild relationships, and experience life without the chains of the past.
This collection of 25 Effective Prayers of Forgiveness for Others will help guide your heart into divine peace. Whether you’re forgiving a friend, a family member, or even yourself, these prayers will help you surrender pain to God, find healing, and rediscover the joy that forgiveness brings. As you meditate on each prayer and scripture, may your spirit be renewed, your heart restored, and your life filled with the grace that only forgiveness can unlock.
25 Effective Prayers of Forgiveness For Others in 2025
1. A Prayer to Forgive Those Who Hurt Me
Dear Lord, I come before You with a heavy heart burdened by pain. Those I trusted have caused me deep wounds, but I choose to let go. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Remove bitterness, resentment, and anger from my spirit. Replace them with peace and compassion. Help me see others through Your eyes of mercy and grace, and remind me that forgiveness brings freedom to my soul. Amen.
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Prayer
Lord, I release all hurt into Your hands. Heal my brokenness and help me to truly forgive. Fill me with Your peace and love so that I may walk freely in Your grace. Amen.
2. A Prayer to Release Anger and Resentment
Father, I confess that I have held onto anger toward those who wronged me. The pain feels justified, but it only steals my peace. I lay down my resentment and surrender my desire for revenge. Fill my heart with Your love and remind me that vengeance belongs to You. Grant me the strength to let go and walk in the freedom of forgiveness. Amen.
Ephesians 4:31–32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Prayer
Lord, cleanse my heart of anger. Replace it with compassion and mercy. Help me forgive and live in peace. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Healing Broken Relationships
Heavenly Father, I lift before You every broken relationship caused by misunderstanding and offense. Restore what was lost through forgiveness and love. Teach us to speak kindly, to listen with understanding, and to seek peace over pride. Let Your healing flow through every heart involved, bringing unity where there was division. Amen.
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.”
Prayer
Lord, bring healing and peace to this relationship. Teach us to forgive and rebuild with love and humility. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Forgiving Family Members
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Prayer
Father, soften my heart toward my family. Let Your love mend every wound and strengthen our bond. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Letting Go of the Past
Dear God, I’ve carried past hurts for too long. Today, I choose to forgive and move forward. Free me from the chains of regret and resentment. Help me release those who have wronged me and trust that You are my healer. Fill my heart with new joy and peace as I embrace a future filled with Your grace. Amen.
Isaiah 43:18–19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
Prayer
Lord, I let go of the past and open my heart to Your healing. Thank You for new beginnings through forgiveness. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Forgiving Betrayal
Father, betrayal cuts deep, and I have been wounded by someone I trusted. Yet, I remember how Judas betrayed Your Son, and Jesus still forgave. Help me walk in that same grace. Heal my heart from the pain of deceit and teach me to forgive fully. Let Your love restore my peace and renew my spirit. Amen.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
Prayer
Lord, I forgive the one who betrayed me. Help me to love them through Your strength and walk in peace. Amen.
7. A Prayer to Forgive Friends Who Disappointed Me
Dear Lord, I’m hurt by friends who failed me when I needed them most. I choose to forgive their shortcomings and release my disappointment. Remind me that we all fall short, and Your grace covers us all. Help me to love my friends as You love me, with patience and kindness. Amen.
John 15:12–13
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Prayer
Lord, thank You for teaching me to love and forgive my friends. Help me rebuild trust through Your grace. Amen.
8. A Prayer to Forgive Those Who Spoke Against Me
Heavenly Father, I forgive those who gossiped and spoke lies about me. Their words wounded my spirit, but I refuse to let bitterness take root. Guard my heart and teach me to respond with grace, not vengeance. May my life reflect Your mercy and truth. Amen.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Prayer
Lord, cleanse my heart from bitterness. Help me to bless those who have spoken against me. Amen.
9. A Prayer to Forgive in Marriage
Lord, in marriage, forgiveness is the bridge to peace. When my spouse has hurt me, give me the humility to forgive and the courage to love again. Heal our hearts, restore our trust, and let Your Spirit renew our bond. Amen.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love keeps no record of wrongs.”
Prayer
Father, help me show grace and patience to my spouse, just as You have shown me. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Forgiving Myself
Dear Lord, sometimes the hardest person to forgive is myself. I’ve made mistakes and carry guilt that weighs me down. But You remind me that Your mercy is new every morning. Help me to accept Your forgiveness and walk in freedom. Amen.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Prayer
Lord, I release my guilt and shame to You. Thank You for forgiving me and making me whole again. Amen.
11. A Prayer to Forgive Those Who Abandoned Me
Dear Lord, abandonment leaves deep scars, and I’ve struggled with feeling unwanted and unloved. But I know that You have never left me nor forsaken me. Help me to forgive those who walked away, and let my heart be filled with peace instead of bitterness. Heal every void within me and remind me that I am whole in You. Amen.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Prayer
Father, I forgive those who abandoned me. Heal my heart and fill me with Your constant love and assurance. Amen.
12. A Prayer to Forgive an Enemy
Gracious God, You call us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I admit this is difficult, but I want to obey. Give me the grace to forgive those who have opposed or harmed me. Replace hatred with love, and bitterness with kindness. May my forgiveness reflect Your mercy and glorify Your name. Amen.
Romans 12:20–21
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Prayer
Lord, teach me to forgive my enemies and bless them with Your peace. Let love rule over hatred. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Those Who Don’t Seek Forgiveness
Father, it’s painful when others don’t see their wrongs or seek forgiveness. Yet, I choose to forgive them anyway. Free my heart from bitterness and remind me that forgiveness is between me and You. Grant me strength to release the pain and walk in Your peace. Amen.
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Prayer
Lord, I forgive even those who never apologized. May my heart be light and my spirit free through Your grace. Amen.
14. A Prayer to Forgive Unfaithfulness
Dear Lord, unfaithfulness has wounded me deeply. The trust once built feels shattered. Yet, I remember Your call to forgive. Give me the grace to release this pain and the wisdom to heal. Restore my peace, Lord, and help me walk in love and faith once again. Amen.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Prayer
Lord, mend my broken heart and help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Forgiving a Parent
Heavenly Father, You know the deep pain caused by parents who may have failed or hurt me. I lay my wounds before You and choose forgiveness. Help me to honor them despite the hurt and to find peace through Your healing grace. Amen.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Prayer
Lord, I forgive my parents and release the pain of the past. Let Your love bring peace to my heart. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Forgiving a Child
Lord, as a parent, my heart aches when my child disrespects or rejects me. I choose to forgive and love them as You love me unconditionally. Heal our relationship, soften their heart, and let forgiveness bring restoration. Amen.
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Prayer
Father, fill me with patience and grace toward my child. Let Your love restore our bond. Amen.
17. A Prayer to Forgive Coworkers or Colleagues
Dear God, in my workplace, misunderstandings and offenses sometimes arise. I forgive those who wronged me and caused tension. Help me to respond with integrity and peace. Let my actions reflect Your love and humility. Amen.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Prayer
Lord, help me to forgive and work in harmony with others, showing Your grace in every interaction. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Forgiving Friends Who Lied
Father, it hurts when those I trusted deceive me. Lies destroy peace and trust, but I refuse to live in bitterness. Help me forgive those who lied to me and heal the pain of betrayal. Let Your truth dwell richly in my heart. Amen.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Prayer
Lord, I release the hurt from deceit and choose to walk in truth and forgiveness. Amen.
19. A Prayer to Forgive Those Who Misjudged Me
Dear God, being misunderstood and misjudged has brought pain and loneliness. Yet, You know my heart fully. I forgive those who spoke wrongly of me and ask You to bless them. Help me to rest in Your truth and not in people’s opinions. Amen.
1 Samuel 16:7
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart.”
Prayer
Lord, I forgive those who misjudged me. Let Your truth defend and comfort me. Amen.
20. A Prayer to Forgive Past Relationships
Lord, I release the hurt from past relationships that ended in pain. I forgive those who broke my heart and those I may have hurt. Heal every wound and teach me to love again with purity and wisdom. Amen.
Philippians 3:13
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
Prayer
Lord, thank You for healing my past. I forgive and embrace new beginnings through You. Amen.
21. A Prayer to Forgive Church Members
Father, even in the body of Christ, I’ve been hurt by words and actions of fellow believers. I choose forgiveness, knowing none of us are perfect. Heal our hearts, restore unity, and let Your love reign among us. Amen.
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Prayer
Lord, I forgive my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let love and peace abound in Your church. Amen.
22. A Prayer to Forgive Authority Figures
Lord, I’ve been wounded by those in authority—teachers, pastors, or leaders. I forgive them and release my hurt to You. Help me respect them while healing from their mistakes. Fill my heart with peace and understanding. Amen.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Prayer
Father, I forgive those in authority who failed me. Grant me grace to honor and pray for them. Amen.
23. A Prayer to Forgive Strangers Who Offended Me
Dear Lord, sometimes offense comes from people I barely know — strangers who cross my path. Help me not to harbor resentment but to forgive quickly. Let peace guard my heart and keep my spirit free. Amen.
Proverbs 19:11
“It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Prayer
Lord, make me quick to forgive and slow to anger. Fill me with compassion for all people. Amen.
24. A Prayer to Forgive Those Who Took Advantage of My Kindness
Father, it hurts when others misuse my generosity. But I know You see every act of kindness done in love. I choose to forgive and trust that You will reward what was done from a pure heart. Amen.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Prayer
Lord, help me forgive those who exploited my kindness. Keep my heart generous and pure before You. Amen.
25. A Prayer for a Forgiving Heart
Gracious Father, forgiveness is not always easy, but I want to have a heart like Yours — full of mercy, grace, and compassion. Teach me to forgive quickly and love deeply. Let Your Spirit guide me daily in grace and humility. Amen.
Colossians 3:12–13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”
Prayer
Lord, create in me a forgiving heart. Let Your love flow through me to everyone I meet. Amen.
Conclusion
Forgiveness is not always an easy journey, but it is one of the most liberating. Holding on to bitterness, anger, or resentment only poisons the soul and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love. Each time we choose forgiveness, we invite peace, healing, and divine favor into our lives. It’s a process that may take time, but through consistent prayer and surrender, the heart begins to heal, and God’s grace fills every wounded space.
When we forgive others, we are not excusing their behavior — we are freeing ourselves from the spiritual weight of their actions. Forgiveness transforms pain into power, weakness into strength, and wounds into wisdom. It’s a reflection of the heart of Christ, who forgave even those who crucified Him. As we forgive, we become more like Jesus — full of compassion, mercy, and unconditional love.
Use these 25 Effective Prayers of Forgiveness for Others as daily reflections whenever you struggle with hurt or offense. Let each prayer guide you closer to emotional freedom and divine peace. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your heart, remind you of God’s mercy, and give you strength to release what no longer serves you.
Remember, forgiveness doesn’t change the past — it changes your future. It opens the door to restored relationships, peaceful nights, and a closer walk with God. Let forgiveness become your language of love, your act of faith, and your pathway to healing. For in forgiving others, you will find your own soul forgiven, renewed, and set free by the boundless grace of God. Amen.
