Repentance is the gateway to restored relationship with God. These 25 repentance prayers will guide you through heartfelt confession, spiritual cleansing, and divine restoration.
Powerful Repentance Prayer
Whether you’re seeking forgiveness for specific sins or a general renewal of your walk with God, these scriptural prayers will help you approach the throne of grace with humility and hope. May they lead you to experience the fullness of God’s mercy and the joy of a cleansed heart.
1. General Repentance Prayer
Merciful Father, I come before You acknowledging my sins and shortcomings. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and create in me a clean heart. I turn away from my sinful ways and ask for Your forgiveness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life. Thank You for Your promise that if I confess my sins, You are faithful to forgive me and purify me.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Thank You for Your cleansing power. Amen.
2. Prayer for Repentance and Renewal
Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and ask for complete spiritual renewal. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Restore the joy of Your salvation within me. Break every chain of sin that entangles me. Renew a steadfast spirit within me and help me walk in Your ways from this day forward.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Thank You for making me new. Amen.
3. Prayer for Repentance from Pride
Humble Savior, forgive me for the pride that has crept into my heart. I repent of self-sufficiency, arrogance, and thinking more highly of myself than I ought. Teach me to walk in true humility, considering others better than myself. Clothe me with Your gentle and lowly spirit.
James 4:6
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Thank You for Your grace to the humble. Amen.
4. Prayer for Repentance from Anger
Prince of Peace, I repent of my uncontrolled anger and harsh words. Cleanse me from bitterness and resentment. Help me to be slow to anger and quick to forgive as You have forgiven me. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Thank You for Your patience with me. Amen.
5. Prayer for Repentance from Lust
Holy God, I repent of lustful thoughts and impure actions. Cleanse my mind and heart from all sexual immorality. Help me to honor You with my body which is Your temple. Guard my eyes and thoughts, filling them with what is pure and lovely.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Thank You for purity. Amen.
6. Prayer for Repentance from Lying
God of Truth, I repent of all deception, half-truths, and falsehoods. Forgive me for times I’ve lied to protect myself or harm others. Make me a person of integrity who speaks truth in love. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Thank You for truthfulness. Amen.
7. Prayer for Repentance from Greed
Generous Father, I repent of my greed and materialism. Forgive me for loving money and possessions more than You. Teach me to be content in all circumstances. Make me generous as You are generous, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Thank You for providing all I need. Amen.
8. Prayer for Repentance from Envy
Loving God, I repent of envying others’ blessings, gifts, or positions. Forgive my jealous heart that questions Your goodness. Help me rejoice with those who rejoice and be content with Your plans for my life. Teach me to celebrate others’ successes without comparison.
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Thank You for my unique blessings. Amen.
9. Prayer for Repentance from Gossip
Lord of Love, I repent of gossip, slander, and careless words about others. Forgive me for tearing people down with my speech. Set a guard over my mouth to speak only what builds others up. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Thank You for wholesome speech. Amen.
10. Prayer for Repentance from Unforgiveness
Merciful Savior, I repent of holding onto bitterness and unforgiveness. Cleanse my heart from resentment toward those who’ve hurt me. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Release me from the prison of unforgiveness into Your freedom.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Thank You for freeing me through forgiveness. Amen.
11. Prayer for Repentance from Idolatry
Sovereign Lord, I repent of putting anything before You in my heart – whether relationships, career, possessions, or pleasures. Dethrone all idols in my life and take Your rightful place as Lord of all. Teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Thank You for being my all in all. Amen.
12. Prayer for Repentance from Laziness
Faithful God, I repent of laziness and half-hearted service. Forgive me for wasting time and neglecting my responsibilities. Energize me to work diligently as unto You. Help me redeem the time and use my gifts for Your glory.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Thank You for purposeful work. Amen.
13. Prayer for Repentance from Disobedience
Lord Jesus, I repent of knowing Your will yet choosing my own way. Forgive my stubbornness and rebellion. Soften my heart to obey You promptly and completely. Help me to trust that Your commands are for my good and Your glory.
1 Samuel 15:22
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Thank You for Your perfect will. Amen.
14. Prayer for Repentance from Worry
Prince of Peace, I repent of anxiety that questions Your care and provision. Forgive my lack of trust in Your sovereignty. Help me to cast all my cares on You, knowing You care for me. Fill me with Your peace that guards my heart and mind.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God will guard your hearts.” Thank You for carrying my burdens. Amen.
15. Prayer for Repentance from Doubt
Faithful God, I repent of doubting Your promises and power. Forgive my wavering faith when circumstances seem impossible. Increase my trust in Your character and Word. Help me to walk by faith, not by sight, believing You are who You say You are.
Mark 9:24
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Thank You for patient with my doubts. Amen.
16. Prayer for Repentance from Neglecting God’s Word
Living Word, I repent of neglecting Scripture in my daily life. Forgive me for prioritizing everything else above time with You. Give me hunger for Your Word that transforms me. Help me to meditate on it day and night and obey what I read.
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.” Thank You for Your life-giving Word. Amen.
17. Prayer for Repentance from Prayerlessness
Lord Who Hears, I repent of my prayerless life. Forgive me for relying on my own strength instead of seeking You. Awaken in me a spirit of prayer and dependence on You. Teach me to pray without ceasing, bringing everything to You in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” Thank You for inviting me to pray. Amen.
18. Prayer for Repentance from Neglecting Worship
Worthy King, I repent of giving You leftover worship. Forgive me for approaching You casually or mechanically. Ignite fresh passion to worship You in spirit and truth. Help me to ascribe to You the glory due Your name in every area of my life.
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Thank You for being worthy of all praise. Amen.
19. Prayer for Repentance from Selfishness
Selfless Savior, I repent of living for myself rather than for You and others. Forgive my self-centered thoughts and actions. Transform me to love others as You have loved me. Make me willing to serve rather than be served.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… value others above yourselves.” Thank You for Your example of selflessness. Amen.
20. Prayer for Repentance from Critical Spirit
Gracious Judge, I repent of my critical, judgmental attitude toward others. Forgive me for focusing on faults while ignoring my own. Give me Your compassion to see people as You see them. Help me to speak the truth in love without condemnation.
Matthew 7:3
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye…?” Thank You for Your mercy toward me. Amen.
21. Prayer for Repentance from Worldliness
Heavenly Father, I repent of being conformed to this world’s values and priorities. Forgive me for chasing temporary pleasures over eternal treasures. Transform me by renewing my mind to live as a citizen of heaven while on earth.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Thank You for heavenly perspective. Amen.
22. Prayer for Repentance from Neglecting the Poor
Compassionate God, I repent of ignoring the needy around me. Forgive my selfishness with time and resources. Open my eyes to see opportunities to serve the least of these. Make me generous as You are generous.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” Thank You for the privilege of serving You through serving others. Amen.
23. Prayer for Repentance from Broken Relationships
Reconciling God, I repent of my part in broken relationships. Forgive my pride, harsh words, and unwillingness to forgive. Show me where I need to seek or extend reconciliation. Help me to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on me.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Thank You for restoring relationships. Amen.
24. Prayer for Repentance from Wasted Time
Eternal God, I repent of wasting the precious time You’ve given me. Forgive me for meaningless entertainment and procrastination. Teach me to number my days wisely, redeeming the time for Your purposes. Help me to live each day with eternity in view.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—making the most of every opportunity.” Thank You for each new day. Amen.
25. Prayer for Repentance and Fresh Start
God of New Beginnings, thank You for the gift of repentance that leads to fresh starts. As I’ve confessed my sins, I receive Your complete forgiveness. Fill me with Your Spirit to walk in newness of life. Help me to forget what is behind and press toward what is ahead in Christ.
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions… and remembers your sins no more.” Thank You for complete forgiveness. Amen.
Conclusion
These 25 repentance prayers cover every area of life where we need God’s cleansing and renewal. May they guide you into deeper experiences of God’s mercy and grace. Remember that repentance isn’t about guilt but about returning to the Father’s loving arms.
As you continue to walk in repentance and faith, you’ll experience the joy of restored fellowship with God and the power to live a transformed life that honors Him.