Father, I pray for (name one or more) and
others in my circle of family and friends
to take their need to forgive seriously…

Unforgiveness is a sin that affects many lives, and the hurts
they’ve suffered seem to justify it by worldly standards. But
I ask that You help these I’m praying for to rise above the
principles of the world and to live as Jesus taught, loving
their enemies–those who hurt them–and forgiving
unconditionally from their hearts. (Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35)

Help them be willing to forgive those who have sinned
against them so they may ask You to forgive them as they have
forgiven others. If they hold anything against anyone, help
them to forgive–just as in Christ You have forgiven them.
May every hurt that grieves them be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12;
Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)

When forgiveness is impossible in their own strength, may
they be willing to receive Your strength to forgive–for
through Christ they have strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)

Help them see that forgiveness is not an emotion–they don’t
have to feel like forgiving–but an act of will, made possible by
the power of the Spirit who lives within them. (Ephesians 3:16)

In Jesus’ name, amen.
source: “Prayers for the Moment: One-Minute Scripture Prayers” Copyright September 2006. Reprinted with permission of B&H Publishing Group