Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins: Catholic Prayers
A prayer for forgiveness of sins to pray with honesty and trust, with a short prayer of repentance, a prayer for sinners, and Bible verses on God's mercy.
A Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins
Merciful Father, I come to You as I am. I have sinned in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. I am sorry for the ways I have hurt You, hurt others, and hurt my own soul.
I do not want to hide from You or make excuses. Show me the truth about myself, gently and clearly. Where I have been proud, make me humble. Where I have been selfish, make me generous. Where I have been unkind, soften my heart.
Lord Jesus, You came for sinners, not for the perfect. Wash me clean, and lift the weight I have been carrying. Give me the courage to make things right where I can, and the grace to forgive those who have wronged me.
Help me to turn away from sin and to begin again today. Strengthen me against the temptations I know I struggle with, and keep me close to You.
Thank You for a mercy that is greater than my failures. Amen.
Short Version
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, heal me, and help me to begin again. Amen.
A Short Prayer of Repentance
Jesus, I am sorry for my sins. I turn back to You with my whole heart. Forgive me, cleanse me, and give me the strength to do better. I trust in Your mercy. Amen.
A Prayer for Sinners
Lord, I pray for all sinners, and first for myself. Touch the hearts of those who are far from You, and of those who think they are beyond forgiveness.
Bring us all home to Your mercy. Send people into our lives who show us Your kindness, and give us ears to hear when You call. Amen.
A Prayer Before Confession
Holy Spirit, help me to see my sins honestly and to be truly sorry for them. Give me courage to speak plainly in confession, and trust that God's mercy is waiting for me.
Let me leave this sacrament lighter, forgiven, and ready to start anew. Amen.
How to Ask God for Forgiveness
God's forgiveness is always on offer. The way back is simpler than many people fear.
Be honest. Take a quiet moment and name what you have done, without excuses and without hating yourself. Sorrow is meant to lead you toward God, not away from Him.
Say you are sorry. You can use the prayers above or your own words. A sincere "Lord, I am sorry" is a real prayer.
Make amends where you can. If you have hurt someone, apologize or repair the damage when it is possible and wise.
Go to confession. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the ordinary way Christ forgives sins committed after Baptism, and serious sins should be brought to a priest in confession. The Act of Contrition is the traditional prayer said there.
Begin again. Forgiven does not mean perfect. Ask for grace to resist the same temptations, and return to God each time you fall.
Scripture to Pray With
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask God to forgive my sins?
Be honest about what you did, tell God you are sorry in your own words, and ask for His mercy. Catholics also receive forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
What is a short prayer for forgiveness?
"Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me and help me to begin again. Amen."
Does God forgive every sin?
Catholic teaching is that there is no sin God cannot forgive for a person who is truly sorry and turns back to Him. 1 John 1:9 promises that God is faithful to forgive those who confess.
What is the difference between repentance and asking forgiveness?
Asking forgiveness is the prayer itself. Repentance goes further: it is a real change of heart and a decision to turn away from sin.
Last updated 2026-10-16