Forgiveness is hard. When someone hurts us, it can be incredibly difficult to completely let the past go and move on.

If the wound is especially deep, we may even start to think this person doesn’t “deserve” our forgiveness.

However, we know that holding onto unforgiveness only causes others and ourselves more pain over time. God doesn’t desire for us to live with such burdens in our hearts. The Bible makes this abundantly clear (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:31-32; Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 6:14-15).

So while forgiving someone can be a genuine struggle, we know we should seek to humbly surrender our hurt to God with humility.

To help with the process, here’s a simple prayer asking God for the strength to forgive others. We hope it encourages you to open your heart up to receive His true inner healing.

Strength to forgive 

“Dear heavenly Father,

I come to You today for help. I know I really need to forgive someone in my life, as is Your desire for all Your children.

Lord, please forgive me for struggling to let go. No matter how hard I’ve tried by my own flesh, I can’t seem to let go of the pain and resentment. This person has hurt me deeply.

But I know I’ve been holding ill feelings against him/her for too long – and it’s damaging me emotionally and spiritually.

Please give me the strength to fully forgive him/her. Help me do this from the bottom of my heart – without any reservation or condition.

To You I wish to surrender all the bitterness, hostility, and hatred I have held towards him/her.

“Every day we’re wronged in some way. And every day is an opportunity to show others forgiveness.” – First15

Father God, bless me with the courage to let the past go. I want to move forward in the life You have given me.

Teach me how to truly care for this person by the fruit of Your Holy Spirit – in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

By my own efforts, I struggle to soften my heart. But with You, I know what was impossible before is made possible (Matthew 19:26).

Lord, heal me fully on the inside as You lead me to live in complete freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1).

Thank You for hearing my humble prayer. I am grateful for Your patience and everlasting love!

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

We hope this prayer encourages you!

If you’re struggling to forgive someone, we encourage you to pray this prayer and ask God for help. He is a loving God who desires nothing more than to see us healed and whole.

True forgiveness often takes time – but we all know it is worth the process. God bless you!

Check out our other prayers on various topics that may speak to your heart.

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