Heavenly Father, I know that Your Church is to be a place of love, unity, and healing. Sadly, that is not always the case, as people sometimes hurt others. Regardless of the wounds I’ve experienced, I’m here to talk about it and receive Your healing touch. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, even when it feels difficult to do so.1 Your Word calls me to forgive as You have forgiven me,2 but I need Your strength to release this pain and the bitterness that has taken root.
You remind me in Your Word, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”.3 Father, I don’t want to hold on to unforgiveness any longer, as it creates a barrier between You and I.
Help me to forgive from my heart, even when the wounds are deep. Your Word says that holding onto anger gives the enemy a foothold in my life.4 I refuse to allow the enemy any more access through bitterness or unforgiveness.
Lord, I also remember that forgiveness is not always a one-time event but often a process. As Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive, and Jesus replied, “seventy-seven times,”5 remind me that I must choose to forgive repeatedly if necessary. Help me to trust You with the healing of these wounds and to let go of the desire for vengeance, as You have declared, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”.6 I release any desire for retaliation into Your hands, and I ask for Your peace to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.7
Heal me, Lord, from the hurt caused by others. Restore to me the peace that comes from abiding in You. I ask for the grace to move forward with a heart filled with forgiveness, so that I may live in the freedom of Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.