Seeking forgiveness is one of the most courageous and humbling acts a person can undertake. Whether we’ve spoken harsh words, made poor decisions, or hurt someone unintentionally, the weight of our actions can leave us burdened with guilt and longing for reconciliation. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t feel like enough. That’s where prayer comes in—opening our hearts to God and asking for His help in mending what has been broken.
Prayer not only invites God into our pain but also prepares our hearts for healing and change. It softens us, humbles us, and aligns our intentions with His will. It also paves the way for the one we’ve wronged to begin their own healing process, even if it takes time. God’s Word reminds us that He is a God of reconciliation, mercy, and new beginnings. Through prayer, we ask Him to intervene—softening hearts, restoring trust, and breathing life into fractured relationships.
In this post, we offer 27 heartfelt and powerful prayers that are rooted in Scripture and specifically designed to help you ask for forgiveness from someone you’ve hurt. Each prayer focuses on different aspects of the forgiveness journey: humility, healing, communication, emotional restoration, and God’s divine favor.
Whether you’re preparing to reach out to the person or waiting patiently for them to respond, these prayers will guide you spiritually and emotionally. May these words give you the strength to apologize sincerely, the courage to change, and the hope for reconciliation.
Let God lead you in this journey toward forgiveness and renewal.
27 Effective Heartfelt Prayers For Someone to Forgive You in 2025
1. A Prayer for the Courage to Apologize
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Lord, I confess my fault and ask for Your mercy and grace as I seek to make things right. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, help me speak from a place of truth and humility as I seek forgiveness.
2. A Prayer for Healing Broken Trust
Dear God, I ask You to restore the broken trust between me and the one I hurt. Help me rebuild what I have damaged through my actions. Give them the strength to open their heart to trust again. May our relationship be rooted in truth, mutual respect, and Your divine guidance. Let healing begin where pain has taken root.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Lord, begin the healing process in our hearts. Mend what has been torn by my mistakes and let love be restored. Amen.
Prayers
Father, heal the pain my actions have caused and let trust be renewed.
3. A Prayer for God’s Mercy in Forgiveness
Merciful Father, I plead for Your mercy. I have failed, and my actions have hurt someone deeply. I pray You intercede on my behalf. Let Your mercy inspire forgiveness in their heart. Wash away my guilt and help me to move forward as a better person. Teach me to extend mercy as I receive it.
Psalm 51:1
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Lord, may Your compassion touch the heart I’ve wronged. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let Your mercy guide them to forgive me wholeheartedly.
4. A Prayer for Restored Relationships
Heavenly Father, I pray for the restoration of this broken relationship. Where there was love, let it be renewed. Where there was understanding, let it return. Help me become worthy of their forgiveness. Lead us both to reconciliation and peace.
2 Corinthians 5:18
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Lord, help me be an instrument of reconciliation in this relationship. Amen.
Prayers
Father, restore what has been lost and rebuild our connection on love and grace.
5. A Prayer for a Softened Heart
Dear Lord, I pray for the one I’ve hurt. Touch their heart and soften it with Your love. Let their anger and disappointment fade away as Your peace enters. May their heart become open to forgiveness and healing. Help me be patient while You work in their life.
Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Lord, change both our hearts for Your glory. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, replace bitterness with grace in their heart toward me.
6. A Prayer to Remove Pride and Ego
Lord, strip me of pride that hinders true repentance. I surrender my ego and ask for a humble spirit. Let me not defend or justify my actions but truly own my mistakes. Let Your Spirit guide me toward humility and transformation.
James 4:6
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Lord, grant me humility that draws others toward Your grace. Amen.
Prayers
Father, remove every prideful barrier that stands in the way of reconciliation.
7. A Prayer for Peace After Conflict
Gracious God, after the storm of conflict, I seek peace. Let Your calm rest on both our hearts. Take away tension and restore harmony between us. May Your presence guide every conversation and bring clarity and compassion.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Lord, help me do my part in restoring peace. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let peace replace anger and understanding overcome misunderstanding.
8. A Prayer for God’s Timing in Forgiveness
Father, I know forgiveness may not come immediately. I surrender the timing to You. Let patience fill my heart as You work in theirs. Prepare both of us for reconciliation in Your perfect time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Lord, I trust in Your perfect timing for healing. Amen.
Prayers
Help me wait with grace while You unfold the healing process.
9. A Prayer for Wisdom to Make Things Right
Dear Lord, give me wisdom to make amends. Show me what to say and how to act in a way that truly reflects my remorse. Let my heart be guided by Your Spirit and my steps ordered by Your love.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” Lord, I ask for divine wisdom in seeking forgiveness. Amen.
Prayers
Grant me the wisdom to act rightly and humbly in seeking forgiveness.
10. A Prayer for Self-Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, help me forgive myself for the hurt I caused. I carry guilt that weighs me down. Remind me of Your grace and mercy. Set me free from self-condemnation so I can heal and grow.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us…” Lord, cleanse me and teach me to accept Your grace. Amen.
Prayers
Father, help me release self-blame and embrace Your forgiveness.
11. A Prayer for Deep Remorse
Dear God, I confess my deep sorrow for the pain I have caused. Let my heart not grow numb to the weight of my actions. Help me feel true remorse and demonstrate a spirit of repentance. Let the one I hurt see that I am genuinely sorry and eager to change.
2 Corinthians 7:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” Lord, may my sorrow be sincere and lead to reconciliation. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let my sorrow lead to genuine change and heartfelt restoration.
12. A Prayer for Emotional Healing
Lord, I ask You to heal the emotional wounds I’ve caused. Please touch the heart of the one I hurt with Your comforting presence. Take away the pain and replace it with peace. May Your love be the balm that mends every broken emotion.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Lord, be near to them and bring healing to their soul. Amen.
Prayers
Father, heal their heart and restore joy where pain once lived.
13. A Prayer for Reconciliation
Dear Lord, I pray for reconciliation—not just forgiveness but restored connection. Let bridges be rebuilt and understanding flourish. Take away resentment and help us walk the path of healing together, united by Your love.
Matthew 5:24
“First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Lord, guide me toward sincere reconciliation. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let our hearts be drawn together in peace and renewed relationship.
14. A Prayer for Redemption of My Actions
Heavenly Father, redeem what I have broken. Use this mistake as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. May my transformed behavior reflect the work of Your Spirit within me.
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” Lord, restore what my actions damaged and turn it into something beautiful. Amen.
Prayers
God, use this hurt as a doorway to deeper connection and new beginnings.
15. A Prayer for Understanding and Patience
Dear God, help the person I’ve hurt understand my heart. I pray they see my efforts and feel the sincerity in my apology. Grant them patience as they process everything, and help me remain patient too.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding…” Lord, help us both operate with understanding and grace. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let understanding take root and give us grace to walk through healing.
16. A Prayer to Break Down Walls of Bitterness
Father, tear down every wall of bitterness and resentment between us. Let the spirit of unforgiveness melt away in Your presence. Bring peace and emotional release to the one I’ve hurt.
Hebrews 12:15
“See to it… that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Lord, uproot every seed of bitterness and replace it with grace. Amen.
Prayers
Break every barrier of unforgiveness and let healing waters flow freely.
17. A Prayer for Grace to Wait for Forgiveness
Lord, I understand that forgiveness may not come immediately. Give me the grace to wait without resentment or frustration. Help me to continue showing love, even in silence or rejection.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest…” Lord, help me continue to sow seeds of kindness and patience. Amen.
Prayers
God, grant me peace while I wait for the fruit of forgiveness to bloom.
18. A Prayer for Humility and Sincerity
Dear Lord, fill my heart with humility and sincerity as I seek forgiveness. Let my words reflect genuine contrition and not manipulation. Teach me to approach others the way Christ would—with gentleness and honesty.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Lord, let humility be the foundation of my actions. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let humility guide my apology and open the door to healing.
19. A Prayer for Restoration of Joy
God, this conflict has stolen the joy from our hearts. I ask You to restore the joy of our relationship. Let laughter return, and may peace replace pain. Rebuild us with Your love and grace.
Psalm 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit…” Lord, bring back the joy that was lost in this relationship. Amen.
Prayers
Father, let joy flow back into our hearts as forgiveness unfolds.
20. A Prayer for God to Speak on My Behalf
Lord, where my words may fail, speak on my behalf. Let Your Spirit touch their heart in ways I cannot. Intercede and bridge the gap between us with Your divine presence.
Romans 8:26
“The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Lord, speak where I cannot, and move in their heart supernaturally. Amen.
Prayers
Holy Spirit, move in the spaces where my apology may not be enough.
21. A Prayer for Open Communication
Father, I pray that communication is restored. Let us talk openly without fear, shame, or anger. Remove every barrier that blocks meaningful dialogue. May our words be seasoned with grace and truth.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…” Lord, guide every word with wisdom and love. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, open our hearts and mouths to honest, healing conversations.
22. A Prayer for Mutual Growth
Lord, let this experience be a turning point for both of us. Help us grow in love, grace, and patience. May forgiveness mark a new chapter filled with mutual understanding and godly maturity.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Lord, bring good even out of our hurt. Amen.
Prayers
Father, use this hardship to grow us in Your love and character.
23. A Prayer Against Guilt and Shame
Dear Lord, release me from overwhelming guilt and shame. I have confessed my sins and I believe in Your forgiveness. Let me not be paralyzed by the past, but walk forward in grace.
Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Lord, cleanse me from shame and restore my spirit. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, free me from guilt and help me walk boldly toward reconciliation.
24. A Prayer for Divine Favor in Reconciliation
Father, I ask for Your divine favor in this situation. Let my apology find grace in their heart. Let supernatural favor be upon every step toward healing and forgiveness.
Proverbs 3:4
“Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Lord, bless me with favor and a peaceful outcome. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, place Your favor over this relationship and help us move forward.
25. A Prayer to Reflect Christ in My Apology
Lord Jesus, help me to reflect Your love, humility, and truth in the way I seek forgiveness. Let me not act out of guilt, but out of a sincere desire to do what is right.
1 John 2:6
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Lord, let my actions and words reflect Your example. Amen.
Prayers
Help me embody Christ-like love and repentance in this moment.
26. A Prayer for Emotional Reconnection
Lord, I miss the emotional closeness we once shared. Please rekindle that bond. Let healing flow not just in words, but in hearts and souls. Reconnect us with honesty and love.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Lord, help us lift each other again. Amen.
Prayers
God, rebuild our emotional connection and strengthen our bond in You.
27. A Prayer for Complete Forgiveness and Fresh Start
Dear Lord, I ask for full forgiveness and a new beginning. Let us not dwell on past wounds, but move forward in faith, love, and unity. Make all things new in our relationship.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Lord, begin a fresh chapter for us. Amen.
Prayers
Lord, let this be the beginning of something renewed, healed, and beautiful.
Conclusion
True forgiveness often takes time, effort, and above all, the grace of God. While we may wish for instant reconciliation, the path to healing is usually a gradual one—filled with prayer, reflection, and emotional growth. These 27 heartfelt prayers are meant to support you in that process, reminding you that you’re never alone in your pursuit of forgiveness.
As you lift your petitions to heaven, know that God hears you. He sees your brokenness, your humility, and your desire to make things right. He also sees the person you’ve hurt and is working in their heart too—even when you can’t see it. Trust in His timing, remain patient, and continue to walk in integrity.
Asking for forgiveness doesn’t make you weak; it makes you courageous. And though the outcome may not always be what you expect, your willingness to seek healing through Christ reflects a heart transformed by love and repentance.
Let these prayers become part of your daily conversation with God. Return to them whenever guilt resurfaces, whenever bitterness threatens to take hold, or whenever you’re simply struggling to know what to say next. Let them be your spiritual anchor as you navigate this delicate journey.
Remember the promise of Isaiah 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God is in the business of new beginnings—and that includes yours. May the one you’ve hurt come to know your heart, may peace reign in your relationship once again, and may God bless you with wisdom, grace, and strength as you walk the path of forgiveness.
