Prayer for Forgiveness

Merciful Father, I come before You with a humble and contrite heart. I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed — by what I have done and by what I have failed to do. I confess my sins to You now. Not to earn Your forgiveness — for it is freely given through the Blood of Jesus — but because confession brings freedom, and I desperately need to be free. Lord, I have: • Failed to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength • Failed to love my neighbor as myself • Given in to temptation when I knew better • Spoken words that wounded others • Harbored thoughts that grieve Your Holy Spirit • Neglected the duties and callings You have given me "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9 Lord, I claim that promise. Wash me clean. Remove my guilt. Restore my innocence. Let the Blood of Jesus cover every sin — past, present, and every failing yet to come. I renounce every hold the enemy has gained through my sin. I close every door I have opened. I reclaim every ground I have surrendered. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. — Based on Psalm 51 In Jesus' name. Amen.