5 prayers to ask God for forgiveness for oneself and for others

1 - Mercy

Eternal Father, thank you that you are merciful and gracious to Your people, even if we have rebelled against You. Many times I have turned away from You to try to dominate my life. I have sinned in thoughts, words and deeds but Your mercy is greater than my sin. Your love is greater than my rebellion. You said my faith will never be shamed when my trust is in You. Forgive me Lord, and guide my words, thoughts and actions today so that I can live in a way that glorifies You. For Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

2 - Confession

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for helping me find complete forgiveness in You. I confess that I have looked elsewhere for the satisfaction that only You can give. I confess that I have not been able to love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I confess that I was unable to love others and that I acted selfishly. I confess that I have not shown Your love to those around me. I repent and I ask your forgiveness. My failures, selfishness and pride were forgiven through Your death on the Cross. Allow me to change Lord and live more like You. In Your mighty name. Amen.

3 - Forgiveness

Loving Father, thank you for forgiving my sin on the Cross. You promised that my transgressions will be removed as far east as west. As I reflect on the many ways I have failed to do the right thing, I come to You with repentance and faith, trusting that all my sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus. Give me the assurance that I am clothed in Your righteousness and that I am irreproachable before You. For Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

4 - Pentimento

Lord God, I have sinned against You and hurt Your eyes. I'm sorry and I regret it. Have mercy on me according to Your love. Wash away my transgression and cleanse me from my sin. Renew a righteous heart in me and fill me with the joy of Your salvation. You are the Father of all mercy, forgive my sin and restore me to Your image, to the praise and glory of Your name. Hear my prayer, O Lord, my God. For Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

5 - Redemption

Lord, my Rock and Redeemer, thank you that you are faithful in fulfilling all Your promises. Your word says that, in Jesus, I have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the richness of Your grace. Thank you that all my sins have been forgiven and that all my failures have been redeemed. Remind me that Your mercy is new every morning and teach me to rely on that mercy. Although my sin and shame are deep, Your grace is much deeper. For Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.