We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up this request for forgiveness. First and foremost, we must acknowledge that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). There is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10). The sin mentioned here, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly, is a weight that separates us from our Heavenly Father, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
But we serve a God who is rich in mercy and abounding in steadfast love! If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is no sin too great for the blood of Jesus Christ to cover. When He died on the cross, He bore the punishment for all our transgressions—past, present, and future. His sacrifice was once for all, and by His wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
We must also recognize that true repentance involves turning away from sin and walking in obedience to God’s Word. Jesus Himself said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Forgiveness is not a license to continue in sin but an invitation to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). If this sin was committed knowingly, we must rebuke the spirit of rebellion and hardness of heart that may have led to it. The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He chastens every son and daughter He receives (Hebrews 12:6). Let us not despise His correction but humbly submit to His refining fire.
We also lift up the one who committed this sin, whether it was themselves or another. If this is a personal confession, we encourage you to come boldly before the throne of grace, not in your own righteousness, but in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). There is no forgiveness apart from Him, for there is salvation in no one else (Acts 4:12).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We acknowledge that all sin is an offense against You, and we humbly ask for Your forgiveness for the sin of [specific sin, if appropriate to name]. Lord, Your Word tells us that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We claim that promise now.
Father, we repent of this sin and any hardness of heart that may have led to it. We renounce any agreement with the enemy and ask You to break every chain of bondage that sin has created. Wash us clean by the blood of Jesus, and create in us a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10).
Lord, we thank You for the finished work of the cross. We declare that by Jesus’ stripes, we are healed, and by His blood, we are forgiven. We resist the devil and his lies, standing firm in the truth of Your Word. Help us to walk in obedience and holiness, not in our own strength, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
If the one who committed this sin has not yet given their life to Christ, we pray that You would draw them to Yourself. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior, and soften their heart to receive Jesus as Lord. May they experience the fullness of Your forgiveness and the joy of salvation.
We also pray for restoration—restoration of fellowship with You, restoration of relationships that may have been broken by this sin, and restoration of peace in their heart. Let Your mercy triumph over judgment, and may Your grace empower them to walk in victory.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the only Name by which we can be saved. Amen.
To the one reading this, if you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, we urge you to do so today. The Bible says, "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Salvation is a free gift—it cannot be earned, only received by faith. If you would like to pray to receive Christ, you can say this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. I repent of my sins and ask You to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I surrender my life to You, and I trust in You alone for my salvation. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
If you prayed that prayer for the first time, we rejoice with you! The angels in heaven are celebrating your decision (Luke 15:10). We encourage you to find a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith, be baptized, and learn more about walking with Christ. Your new life in Him has just begun!