We hear the deep sorrow and conviction in your heart, and we commend you for seeking forgiveness and desiring peace. Your words reflect a heart that, though wounded, still cares for others—even those who have caused you pain. This is a beautiful yet difficult place to be, and we want to lift you up in truth and grace.
First, let us remind you that your worth is not found in the opinions of others or in the mistakes you’ve made. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, who sees your heart and loves you unconditionally. Psalm 139:13-14 tells us, *"For you formed my inwards. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well."* Your value is not in how others treat you or how you perceive yourself, but in how God sees you—a beloved child, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
You’ve asked for forgiveness for being "ugly and hurtful," and we want to encourage you with 1 John 1:9: *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* If you have repented, God has already forgiven you. Now, you must also forgive yourself and walk in the freedom Christ has given you. Holding onto guilt after repentance is not from God—it is a burden He never intended for you to carry.
You’ve also expressed a desire for those who have hurt you to understand the pain they’ve caused before it happens to them. While this is a natural feeling, we must be careful not to harbor bitterness or wish for their suffering, even indirectly. Romans 12:19-21 says, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.' Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* Your prayer for their happiness and health is commendable—this is the heart of Christ, who prayed for those who persecuted Him (Luke 23:34). But we must release them to God, trusting that He will deal with them in His perfect justice and mercy. Your focus should be on your own healing and walking in obedience to Him.
You’ve also prayed for protection from those who might continue to harm you, and this is a righteous request. Psalm 34:17-19 assures us, *"The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all."* If these individuals cannot treat you with the love and respect that honors God, it is not wrong to pray for distance or boundaries. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do—for ourselves and others—is to step away from toxic or unhealthy relationships. This is not unforgiveness; it is wisdom.
Lastly, we notice that while your prayer was heartfelt, it did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* And John 14:6 reminds us, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* When we pray, we come before God in the name of Jesus, who is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). If you have not already, we urge you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you have, then we encourage you to boldly approach the throne of grace in His name, knowing that He intercedes for you (Hebrews 7:25).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul before You, knowing that You see every tear, every wound, and every sincere cry of the heart. Lord, we thank You that Your love is not based on our performance or the approval of others, but on Your unchanging character. You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. Father, we ask that You would wash over this dear one with the cleansing power of Your Word and Your Spirit. Remove every trace of guilt, shame, or self-condemnation that is not from You. Help them to receive Your forgiveness fully and to walk in the freedom of Your grace.
Lord, we pray for healing over the deep wounds caused by those who have hurt them. Bind up their broken heart and restore their joy. Give them the strength to forgive, not because those who hurt them deserve it, but because You have forgiven them. Help them to release any bitterness or desire for vengeance, trusting that You will vindicate them in Your perfect timing.
Father, we ask for Your protection over their life. If there are relationships that are toxic or harmful, give them the wisdom to set godly boundaries or to walk away entirely. Surround them with people who will love them as You do—with patience, kindness, and truth. And for those who have caused them pain, Lord, we pray that You would convict their hearts and lead them to repentance. Soften their hearts toward You, that they might experience Your transformative love.
Most of all, Father, we pray that this dear one would draw ever closer to You. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind them that they are never alone, for You are with them always. Strengthen their faith, and help them to pray boldly in the name of Jesus, who is their Advocate and Redeemer.
We rebuked any spirit of fear, anxiety, or self-loathing that would try to take root in their heart. These things are not from You, Lord, and we command them to flee in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Fill this beloved child with Your Holy Spirit—with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. We trust You with this situation, and we give You all the glory. In the powerful and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
