The tragic reality of human nature is that despite having the best intentions, we’re inclined to slip up and hurt someone at some point. It’s something we can’t really engineer out of even if we try. And these mistakes or wrongdoings often leave most of us with feelings of shame, guilt, self-condemnation and sometimes humiliation.
Apologizing and asking for forgiveness, whether through words, actions or both, is the first step towards making amends and rebuilding trust.
But before approaching the person you’ve hurt, it’s important to seek God’s forgiveness. He will never judge you or reject your apology if you go with a repentant heart as others might. So even if that person doesn’t forgive you, you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve done your part in righting your wrongs and God has forgiven you.
I hope these prayers for forgiveness for hurting someone will help you in your journey.
What You'll Learn Today
4x Prayer for Forgiveness for Hurting Someone
Prayer for Forgiveness
Dear God, I come before Your presence today with a humble heart to ask for forgiveness. I’m saddened and feel sick to my stomach for the pain I caused (name of person). My heart breaks every time I remember what I did and wish I could take it all back. I allowed my pride, unawareness and defaults to consume my heart. I did what I did with no regard to what my words /actions will affect (name of someone you’ve hurt) at that time. There was no excuse for my behavior. What I did was wrong, and l desperately need your forgiveness, dear Father.
Thank You for letting Your only son die on the cross so that I may experience the free gift of forgiveness through Christ. Your word says that if I confess my transgressions and ask for forgiveness, you will forgive me because You are just and faithful. I gratefully and gracefully accept this gift. May Your mercy and grace wipe out all my sinful and unrighteous things. Cleanse me with Your precious blood from all evil thoughts and desires, Lord Jesus.
Fill me with Your spirit so that I may recognize negative character traits and traumas that contribute to my shortcomings. Grant me wisdom to say and do the right things; strength to walk away from temptations and clarity to see the way out of difficult situations. Help me walk and live in a way that pleases and brings glory to Your name O’ precious God. And it is through Jesus Christ Your son I pray and believe. Amen.
Healing Prayer for Someone You’ve Hurt
Heavenly Father, l messed up and hurt the one person who’s always been there for me. I can see and feel their hurt. What saddens me most is that I don’t know if (name of person) will ever forgive me. Lord of forgiveness, please intervene. I ask You to heal their wounded heart and soul. Give them your supernatural strength to let go of the hurt because l know it’s not going to be easy.
Fill their hearts with Your love and fresh hope for the future. Please comfort and watch over them during this dark time. Let them see and feel Your presence so they may know they’re not alone. Remind them that they can always turn to You when overwhelmed with pain.
Almighty God, bless (name of person) with peace that surpasses all understanding. Fill their cup with Your grace and goodness and guide their every step O Lord. I hope and pray You will mend their brokenness and restore their faith and trust in me and all humanity. Thank You Father for hearing my prayers. Amen.
Prayer for Someone You’ve hurt to Respond With Empathy and Compassion
O’ merciful and compassionate God, I lift up (name of person) onto You. I did the unforgivable and I honestly don’t deserve their forgiveness. But You are a God of second chances. I trust Your everlasting love and grace to redeem my mistakes. Lord, please guide my footsteps as I plan to go and ask for forgiveness. I trust that You will go before me and be with me throughout. Give me courage to face (name of person), strength to admit to my mistakes and take responsibility and wisdom to know what to say and when to say it.
Lord Jesus, I’m worried that (name of person) may not want to see me or even hear what I have to say. Please soften their heart and open their spiritual eyes to see that I’m sincerely sorry for the pain l caused. Please take away any bitterness, self-righteousness and vengeance from their hearts and replace them with your compassion, love and mercy. Remind them of the importance of forgiveness that You gracefully and freely extended to us.
Help me to gracefully accept their decision. I ask this in Your Holy name. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiving Yourself
Loving God, I did the unimaginable. I messed up and hurt someone I truly care about. I wish I could travel back in time and handle the situation differently. Make better choices. I let my emotions get the best of me. I’m truly ashamed of what I did and the weight of it all is becoming too much for me to bear. I’m tired of feeling like this day in, day out. I need Your help to forgive myself. I know it’s time to stop dwelling on the past and start moving forward. Lord, help me to move on and let go.
Remind me that there is no such thing as perfection and You love me with my flaws and all. Let Your peace rule in my heart so that I may be free from all the guilt, shame and anxiety. I choose to rest in You, Lord. Guide me in Your light and truth. Thank You for loving me and always being there for me even when I ignore You. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
