Biblical Prayers
Prayers for Forgiveness & Renewal
These prayers, rooted in Scripture and the Christian tradition, provide words for approaching God with a repentant heart. Whether you need to confess specific sin or simply draw near to God afresh, these prayers can guide you.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry—it is a complete change of heart and direction. The Greek word metanoia means "to change one's mind," while the Hebrew shuv means "to turn back." True repentance involves acknowledging our sin, grieving over it, turning away from it, and turning toward God in faith.
Honestly acknowledging sin before God, calling it what it is without excuse or minimization. "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13).
Genuine sorrow for sin—not merely regret for consequences, but grief over offending a holy God. "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).
Repentance means to turn around—away from sin and toward God. It is a change of direction, not just a change of feeling. "Repent and turn to God" (Acts 26:20).
Trusting in Christ's finished work for forgiveness, not our own efforts or promises to do better. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us" (1 John 1:9).
Use these prayers as they are, or let them guide your own words to God. The most important thing is a sincere heart.
For acknowledging sin and seeking God's mercy
Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. I am truly sorry, and I humbly repent. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me, that I may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.
— Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
The heart of biblical repentance
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast 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 and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Amen.
— Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12 (NIV)
Returning to the Father
Father, I have sinned against heaven and against You. I am no longer worthy to be called Your child. Yet I come to You, trusting not in my own righteousness, but in Your boundless mercy. Receive me not as I deserve, but as Your grace allows. Clothe me in the righteousness of Christ, and restore me to Your family. I was lost, but now I am found. I was dead, but now I live. To You alone be the glory. Amen.
— Based on Luke 15:18-24
The simplest prayer of repentance
God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.
— Luke 18:13
Starting the day with a clean heart
Lord, as I begin this day, I confess my need for You. Search my heart and reveal any hidden sin. Where I have harbored unforgiveness, teach me to forgive. Where I have nursed pride, grant me humility. Where I have been anxious, remind me of Your sovereignty. Create in me a clean heart today, O God. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might walk in Your ways. May my thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
— Original prayer
After his sin with Bathsheba, David's repentance in Psalm 51 became the model for all who seek God's mercy.
2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51
Read more →He "came to his senses" in the pig pen and returned to his father, who ran to embrace him.
Luke 15:11-32
After denying Christ three times, Peter wept bitterly. Jesus later restored him with three affirmations of love.
Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19
He beat his breast and prayed simply, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Jesus said he went home justified.
Luke 18:9-14
"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 (NIV)
God does not merely tolerate the repentant—He runs to embrace them. The clean heart you long for is not earned by the quality of your prayer, but received through the finished work of Christ. Come as you are.
There is no magic formula. Simply come to God honestly, confess your sin by name, express genuine sorrow, ask for His forgiveness through Christ, and commit to turning away from sin. The prayers on this page can help guide you, but God looks at the heart, not the eloquence of words.
The 'sinner's prayer' is a prayer of initial salvation, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior. While no specific wording is required, it typically includes admitting one's sinfulness, believing that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and asking Him to be Lord of one's life.
Yes. Scripture teaches that the blood of Jesus 'cleanses us from all sin' (1 John 1:7). No sin is too great for God's mercy when we come to Him in genuine repentance. The only 'unforgivable sin' is a persistent, final rejection of the Holy Spirit's work—not a particular act, but a hardened heart that refuses to repent.
True repentance produces fruit—a changed life (Matthew 3:8). While we may still struggle with sin, genuine repentance involves sincere grief over sin, a desire to change, and an ongoing turning toward God. If you're worried about whether your repentance is 'real enough,' that very concern often indicates a genuine heart.