Forgiveness is powerful. It has the potential to heal deep wounds and mend broken relationships. It’s also at the heart of God’s grace and our salvation (Ephesians 1:7-8).
The Psalms are a collection of songs and prayers in the Bible that express emotion and give insight to common human experiences. If you struggle to find the right words when you pray, the book of Psalms is a great place to start – they're written by real people who went through hard times and called out to God for help, protection, and forgiveness.
Among the Psalms, there are seven in particular that center around this theme of forgiveness. These psalms about forgiveness serve as a source of comfort and inspiration, and can give you words to pray for forgiveness:
7 Psalms About Forgiveness
1. Psalm 32 - Forgiveness Through Confession
Psalm 32 teaches the importance of acknowledging our sins and mistakes before asking God for forgiveness. It reminds us that when we own up to the ways we’ve fallen short, we find relief and experience the joy of being made right with God. By recognizing our faults and seeking forgiveness, we open the door to healing and restoration.
“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt...And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Psalm 32:5
2. Psalm 51 - A Prayer for Renewal
If you’ve ever hit rock bottom, you’ll relate to Psalm 51. It’s a heartfelt plea for mercy that acknowledges the weight of our sins and our need for a pure heart. It also encourages us with the truth that God will always meet us in our brokenness and offer us restoration – and with that comes joy and peace like we’ve never experienced!
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
3. Psalm 86 - God's Abundant Forgiveness
Psalm 86 reassures us of God's unwavering mercy. It gives thanks for God’s forgiveness and reminds us that he is patient and compassionate with us. When we find ourselves burdened by guilt, we can turn to this psalm as a reminder of God's unconditional love for us.
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15
4. Psalm 103 - God's Forgiving Nature
Psalm 103 compares God’s love for us to the unconditional love a parent has for their child. It encourages us with the truth that no mistake is too great – there's nothing we can do to make God stop loving us, and there’s no sin he won’t forgive.
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:12
5. Psalm 130 – A Plea for Forgiveness
Psalm 130 is a powerful cry from the depths of despair. It acknowledges our human frailty and calls out to God for forgiveness and redemption. This psalm reminds us that no matter how big our failures may seem, there is always hope in seeking God's forgiveness.
“Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.” Psalm 130:2
6. Psalm 143 - Trusting in God's Forgiveness
In Psalm 143, the writer’s plea for forgiveness is coupled with a deep trust in God's faithfulness. This psalm encourages us to rely on God's guidance as we navigate the challenges of life. By placing our trust in Him, we can find hope and comfort.
“Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8
7. Psalm 25 - The Path of Forgiveness and Instruction
Psalm 25 serves as a guide to anyone looking to God for direction. It emphasizes our need to humble ourselves before God and seek his wisdom in everything we do. This psalm reminds us that when we truly want to learn and move forward from our mistakes, we can turn to God and invite him to lead us down a better path.
“The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.” Psalm 25:8
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Each psalm about forgiveness offers a profound message of hope and redemption. They teach us to own up to our mistakes and ask God for a fresh start. As we get better at receiving God’s grace, we become better equipped to extend that same grace to others – which makes our love easy to see and points back to the unfailing love we have in God!
Interested in learning more about forgiveness and grace? Check out these articles:
Why Forgiveness Forever Changes Us
Is There a Limit to Forgiveness?
The Truth About How to Earn God’s Love
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