A Prayer for Forgiving Others—and Yourself
By Rachael Adams
Bible Reading:
“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” - Psalm 103:11-12
Listen or Read Below:
I surveyed a dimly lit room of middle and high school girls deep in reflection. The glow from the string lights made them look radiant, but beneath their beauty, I could see the pain in their eyes. We were gathered for a Night of Agape—an evening of fun, worship, and teaching. We’d laughed together as I showed photos of my younger self, barrel-rolled bangs and all. But the mood sobered after I shared my testimony and the false beliefs I’d once held about my worth.
Each girl was given a blank canvas. I asked them to draw a cross and write down the things they wanted to symbolically lay at the foot of it—regrets, sins, lies they believed about themselves, wounds from what others had said or done. Within minutes, the once-blank canvases were nearly covered. The weight of shame and sorrow spilled out in black ink.
My heart grieved as I walked around and saw what they had written. Many of their confessions mirrored one another, revealing a common thread of brokenness. Yet, my heart was also filled with hope. God wasn’t surprised by anything they’d confessed—He already knew. And still, He loved them.
Then came the red Sharpies. With gentle encouragement, the girls crossed out every word they had written, symbolizing the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. There was something sacred in the moment. With each red line, sin was symbolically erased, and grace took its place.
Psalm 103 reminds us that when God forgives us, He removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west.” It’s not just forgiven—it’s forgotten (Hebrews 8:12). While we often struggle to forget our failings, God does not. His mercy invites us to stop keeping score—not just of our mistakes but of others’.
Colossians 3:13 calls us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. That’s a high calling. But remembering how much we’ve been forgiven softens our hearts to extend grace. Imagine if we released the grudges, dropped the offense, and no longer dredged up the past. What would it look like to live free of spiritual scorekeeping?
This applies not only to forgiving others but also to forgiving ourselves. If I could hand you a canvas and a red marker, what would you write down? What pain, sin, or shame still lingers? Whatever it is, God sees it. And through true repentance, He wipes it away completely.
Isaiah 1:18 offers this promise: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Friend, God sees you not by your past but by the covering of Christ’s righteousness. You are no longer bound by what you’ve done or what’s been done to you. You are a blank canvas, made clean by His love.
Let’s stop keeping a record of wrongs. And if we keep a list, may it only be His grace that has wiped it all away.
Let’s Pray:
Father, thank You for the immeasurable mercy that separates my sins from me. Help me believe that you have fully forgiven me, and stop rehearsing my past failures. Remind me that, because of Christ, I am no longer defined by what I’ve done. Teach me to extend that same grace to others who have hurt me, releasing them from the debt I feel they owe. If there is someone I’ve wounded, give me the courage to seek their forgiveness. Let my life reflect the redemptive love You’ve shown me. Quiet the enemy’s accusations and help me walk in the freedom of forgiveness. May my heart be a place where Your mercy is always remembered and Your grace is freely given. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/PeopleImages
Praying through Psalm 15: A Prayer to the One Who Will Never Be Shaken
Are you tired of being spiritually weary? You've come to the right place! Join us for a time of prayer, reflection and meditation. Leave the baggage of your day behind you and come away refreshed, renewed, and reconnected to God. Who is the kind of person who will never be shaken? Find out in today's 10-minute devotion as we explore Psalm 15. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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Originally published Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
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