A Prayer for Self-Forgiveness

A Prayer for Self-Forgiveness

Forgiving oneself is one of the most important things we can do to free the parts of ourselves that are stuck in resentment or oppression. After a serious conversion of heart, we feel deep relief, and God’s nearness is revealed.

Lord, help me to be able to see what I have resented since the last time I sought forgiveness from myself. 

Give me the ability to forgive myself, as You say in Matthew 18:21-22, 

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18:21-22

 Holy Spirit, come with Your Light and reveal all the weight that burdens my heart and alienates me from myself.

Holy Spirit, come and breathe with the freshness of your breath so I can discern those things that are not grounded in God’s love and remove them from my life.

Holy Spirit, give me joy in You and help me to make self-forgiveness a part of my daily prayer routine.

I forgive myself for being alienated from You, my dear Jesus.

I forgive myself because sometimes I can’t love and accept love.

I forgive myself for burying my dreams and desires so many times.

I forgive myself for giving up my heart’s desires and preferring to follow others.

I forgive myself for not taking steps into the unknown out of complacency or fear.

I forgive myself for not daring to express my opinion and fearing what others say.

I forgive myself for all the moments when I have succumbed to shame or guilt.

I forgive myself for not taking time for myself.

I forgive myself for ignoring myself and my needs.

I forgive myself for repeating the same mistakes and not overcoming old obstacles.

I forgive myself for all the moments I have put my health or self-care on the sidelines.

I forgive myself for all the superfluous words I have uttered.

I forgive myself for giving up when I should have kept going.

I forgive myself for not being honest with myself and others.

I forgive myself for preferring to model others rather than be original.

I forgive myself for giving up hobbies or work that fill me with joy.

I forgive myself for not carving out moments to play and relax.

I forgive myself because I can’t always be loving and gentle with myself.

I forgive myself because sometimes I can’t connect with others.

Lord, make up for what I am missing in myself. 

As you grow self-forgiveness in me, may Your power lift me and strengthen me so that I may live with myself and others—with dignity.

Amen.