Repentance is more than saying “sorry” to God—it is a deep, heartfelt turning away from sin and a genuine return to His loving arms. A sincere repentance prayer opens the door to mercy, healing, and restoration. Whether you’ve fallen into repeated mistakes, drifted far from God’s presence, or feel weighed down by guilt and shame, God is still ready to forgive and renew you.
In this guide, you’ll find powerful repentance prayers with scriptures to help you confess your sins honestly, receive God’s forgiveness, and start again with a clean heart.
These prayers are for anyone who is tired of carrying secret burdens and truly desires a fresh start with God. As you pray them in faith, expect the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, break the power of sin, and fill you with new grace to live differently.
Scripture of the Day
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — [1 John 1:9 NIV]
Prayer for a Broken and Contrite Heart
Psalm 51:17 – “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
Prayer:
Merciful Father, I come before You with all my weaknesses and failures. Break every hardness in my heart and give me a truly broken and contrite spirit. Let my tears of repentance be genuine and not fake. Do not despise my brokenness, Lord, but receive me and restore me by Your mercy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Genuine Repentance and Turning from Sin
Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to say empty words; I desire genuine repentance. Help me not only to confess my sins but to truly turn away from them. Wipe out my sins and give me the grace to turn fully to You with my heart, my thoughts, and my actions. Let my life show real change, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God to Create in Me a Clean Heart
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Prayer:
O God, my heart is stained by wrong choices and disobedience. I ask You today to create in me a clean, pure heart. Remove every filth, wrong desire, and evil intention. Renew a steadfast spirit within me that loves righteousness and hates sin. Make my heart a place where Your Holy Spirit delights to dwell, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness of Hidden and Secret Sins
Psalm 19:12 – “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.”
Prayer:
Lord, You see the sins I hide from others and even from myself. I bring every secret fault and hidden sin into Your light. Please forgive me for what I have done in secret, in my thoughts, and in my heart. Cleanse me from every hidden fault and help me to live transparently before You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Mercy When I Feel Unworthy of God’s Love
Lamentations 3:22–23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed…”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, there are times I feel too dirty and unworthy to come to You. Yet Your Word says Your mercies are new every morning. I throw myself on Your mercy today. Do not let my guilt consume me; instead, cover me with Your unfailing love. Remind me that Your grace is greater than my deepest sin, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Confess My Sins Honestly Before God
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins…”
Prayer:
Lord, I refuse to hide, minimize, or excuse my sins any longer. I confess them honestly before You—every wrong thought, word, and action. Thank You for Your promise to forgive and cleanse me. Wash me by the blood of Jesus and purify me from all unrighteousness as I confess sincerely, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Turn Away from Repeated Sinful Habits
Romans 6:12 – “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body…”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am tired of going back to the same sins over and over again. I surrender these habits that keep pulling me away from You. Let sin no longer reign in my body, my mind, or my desires. By Your power, break every cycle of repeated sin and help me to walk in newness of life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Lukewarmness and Spiritual Coldness
Revelation 3:19 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for becoming lukewarm and careless about my relationship with You. I repent of spiritual laziness and coldness of heart. Set my heart on fire again with love for You. Let Your loving rebuke wake me up from spiritual sleep, and help me to be earnest, passionate, and faithful in my walk with You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Restoration of My First Love for God
Revelation 2:4–5 – “You have forsaken the love you had at first… Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Prayer:
Father, I remember when I loved You deeply and joyfully obeyed Your voice. Somewhere along the way, I drifted. Today I repent for leaving my first love. Restore to me the passion, hunger, and devotion I once had. Help me to return to my first works: prayer, worship, obedience, and time in Your presence, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Cleansing from Past Mistakes and Shame
Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
Prayer:
Lord, my past is stained with mistakes, regrets, and shame. But You promised to make my sins, though scarlet, as white as snow. I bring my past to You and ask for complete cleansing. Let the blood of Jesus wash away every stain and every memory that torments me. Give me the confidence to walk as one forgiven and made new, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Sexual Sin and Impurity
1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality…”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent of every form of sexual sin and impurity in my life—whether in my actions, thoughts, or imagination. I choose today to flee from sexual immorality and not entertain it in any way. Cleanse me from every defilement and give me strength to honor You with my body, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent of Pride and Self-Righteousness
James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the pride and self-righteousness that has crept into my heart. I renounce every attitude that makes me feel better than others or independent of Your grace. Clothe me with humility and remind me that without You I am nothing. Let Your favor rest on me as I walk humbly with You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Lies, Deceit, and Dishonesty
Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent for every lie I have told, every half-truth, and every form of deceit. I don’t want my lips to displease You. Forgive me and cleanse my heart from dishonesty. Help me to be a person of truth, integrity, and transparency so that my words will delight You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Turn from Anger, Bitterness, and Unforgiveness
Ephesians 4:31–32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Prayer:
Father, I confess that anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness have ruled my heart in many situations. I repent of holding grudges and replaying hurts. Today, I choose to release those who have offended me, just as You forgave me in Christ. Remove every root of bitterness and fill my heart with kindness and compassion, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Idolatry and Wrong Priorities
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Prayer:
Lord, I admit that I have allowed people, possessions, comfort, or my own desires to take Your place in my heart. I repent of every idol I have raised above You. Today I lay them down and enthrone You as Lord over my life again. Help me to love You first and most, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Return to Daily Fellowship with God in Prayer
Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for neglecting the place of prayer and treating Your presence lightly. I repent of rushing through my days without seeking You. Stir my heart again to seek You with all my heart. Draw me back into deep, daily fellowship with You and teach me to enjoy Your presence, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Neglecting God’s Word
Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…”
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I have neglected Your Word and allowed other voices to be louder in my life. I repent of treating the Bible as optional instead of essential. Give me a fresh hunger for Your Word. Help me to read, meditate, and obey it daily so I can walk in Your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent of Gossip and Hurtful Words
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for using my mouth to gossip, slander, and tear others down. I repent of every careless and hurtful word I have spoken. Put a guard over my lips and let my words be wholesome, uplifting, and full of grace. Use my tongue to build and not destroy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Financial Dishonesty and Greed
Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed…”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent of every form of greed, selfishness, and financial dishonesty. Forgive me for times I have cheated, manipulated, or held tightly to money instead of trusting You. Teach me to be content and faithful with what You’ve given me. Help me to handle money in a way that honors You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Turn from Laziness and Spiritual Slumber
Romans 13:11 – “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber…”
Prayer:
Father, I admit that I have been lazy, distracted, and spiritually sleepy. I repent of wasting time and neglecting the things that matter for eternity. Wake me up, Lord. Fill me with urgency, discipline, and zeal to do Your will and to redeem the time You have given me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Disobedience to God’s Instructions
1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent for every time I have heard Your voice and still chosen my own way. Forgive me for delaying, arguing, or completely ignoring Your instructions. Teach me to value obedience above comfort and convenience. From today, help me to respond quickly and joyfully to Your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent of Worldliness and Love for the Things of This World
1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world…”
Prayer:
Father, I confess that my heart has been drawn too much to the pleasures, fame, and approval of this world. I repent of loving the world more than I love You. Break every attachment that competes with my devotion to You. Help me to live as a pilgrim, focused on things above, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance in My Marriage and Family Relationships
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another…”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent for every harsh word, selfish action, and unforgiveness I have shown in my home. Forgive me for not reflecting Christ in my marriage and family relationships. Give me a humble heart to apologize where I have hurt others and the grace to walk in love, patience, and forgiveness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent of Prayerlessness and Spiritual Neglect
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have lived many days without truly seeking Your face. I repent of living in my own strength and ignoring the place of prayer. Restore my prayer altar, Lord. Teach me to pray continually, depend on You, and enjoy daily fellowship with Your Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Doubt and Unbelief
Mark 9:24 – “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for doubting Your promises and questioning Your goodness. I repent of unbelief that limits what You want to do in my life. I echo this cry: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Strengthen my faith, open my eyes to Your faithfulness, and help me to trust You fully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent from Rebellion Against God’s Will
Isaiah 1:20 – “But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that resisting Your will is rebellion. Forgive me for stubbornness and insisting on my own way. Today, I lay down my rebellion at Your feet and surrender completely. Help me to gladly say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” and to walk in humble obedience, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Hypocrisy and Double Life
Matthew 23:28 – “On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy…”
Prayer:
Lord, I repent of pretending to be more spiritual than I really am. Forgive me for living a double life—clean on the outside but compromised on the inside. Expose every falsehood in me and cleanse my heart. Help me to be the same person in private and in public, sincerely walking with You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Repent of Neglecting the Poor and Needy
Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker…”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have ignored, looked down on, or refused to help those in need when I could. I repent of selfishness and lack of compassion. Fill my heart with Your love for the poor, and help me to see serving them as serving You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Repentance from Envy and Jealousy
James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder…”
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that envy and jealousy have stolen my joy and poisoned my relationships. I repent of comparing myself with others and resenting their blessings. Teach me to rejoice with those who rejoice and to be content with what You have given me. Uproot envy from my heart and replace it with gratitude, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Walk in Daily Repentance and Holiness
2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit…”
Prayer:
Father, I don’t want repentance to be a one-time event but a daily lifestyle. Help me to constantly examine my heart and turn away from anything that contaminates my body or spirit. By Your grace, empower me to walk in holiness, reverence, and sincere obedience every day, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Testimony
Sarah grew up in church, knew the right scriptures, and could sing all the worship songs, but secretly her heart was drifting far from God. What started as “small compromise” – skipping prayer, entertaining bitterness, flirting with sin – slowly turned into a lifestyle. She still served in church, but inside she felt empty, guilty, and far away from God.
One night, after another argument and harsh words she deeply regretted, she sat on her bed and burst into tears. She felt unworthy to pray, yet the burden in her heart was too heavy to carry. As she opened her Bible, her eyes fell on Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
For the first time in a long while, she prayed a simple but sincere repentance prayer—no fancy words, just raw honesty: “Lord, I am tired of pretending. I have sinned, I have drifted, and I need You to restore me.” She began to confess specific sins, ask for cleansing, and invite the Holy Spirit to change her from the inside.
It wasn’t an instant feeling of perfection, but something shifted: the weight of guilt began to lift, her desire for God’s presence returned, and the same Scriptures she once ignored became life to her soul. Day by day, as she kept praying repentance prayers and aligning her actions with God’s Word, her heart was healed, her character changed, and her relationship with God was restored.
This is why repentance prayer matters. Many believers are outwardly active but inwardly distant from God. They don’t need more performance—they need a genuine return to the Father’s heart. Repentance prayer opens the door to forgiveness, restoration, and a fresh start in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repentance prayer?
Q: What exactly is a repentance prayer, and how is it different from just saying “sorry” to God?
A: A repentance prayer is more than a quick apology—it is a sincere, heartfelt turning away from sin and a decision to return fully to God. True repentance involves acknowledging your sin, confessing it honestly, asking for forgiveness, and choosing to change direction with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is both a prayer of confession and a commitment to walk in obedience, not just an emotional moment.
Does God really forgive me when I pray a repentance prayer?
Q: I have failed many times. Will God still forgive me if I keep coming back in repentance?
A: Yes, God’s Word is clear: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). When you come to God with genuine repentance, He does not turn you away. His mercy is new every morning, and the blood of Jesus is powerful enough to cleanse even repeated failures. Repentance is not about earning forgiveness—it is about receiving what Christ has already paid for and choosing to walk in newness of life.
How do I know if my repentance is truly genuine?
Q: Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m truly repentant or just feeling guilty. How can I tell the difference?
A: Genuine repentance produces change. It is not just feeling bad about sin but deciding to turn away from it. True repentance will lead you to:
- Confess your sin honestly before God.
- Hate the sin, not just the consequences.
- Take practical steps to avoid repeating it.
- Grow in obedience and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Guilt keeps you in shame; repentance moves you toward God, restoration, and transformation.
Can I pray a repentance prayer even if I still feel weak or tempted?
Q: Is it hypocritical to pray repentance prayers if I still feel tempted or afraid I might fall again?
A: No, it is not hypocrisy—it is humility. Repentance is not claiming to be perfect; it is admitting your weakness and asking God for strength. You can come to God and say, “Lord, I repent of this sin, but I also confess that I am weak. Help me to stand.” As you keep praying, renewing your mind with Scripture, and setting boundaries, God will strengthen you to resist temptation and walk in freedom.
How often should I pray repentance prayers?
Q: Is repentance a one-time prayer, or should it be part of my daily walk with God?
A: Repentance is both a moment and a lifestyle. There may be key moments where you deeply repent of specific sins, but as a believer, you are also called to live in daily repentance—constantly aligning your heart with God’s will. Regularly asking the Holy Spirit to search you, confessing any sin He reveals, and turning from it keeps your heart tender, clean, and close to God.
Final Encouragement
Repentance is not God’s way of shaming you—it is His invitation to start again. When you pray a sincere repentance prayer, you are not coming to a harsh Judge but to a loving Father who is ready to forgive, cleanse, and restore you.
No matter how far you’ve gone or how many times you’ve fallen, the door of mercy is still open. Let these repentance prayers with scriptures guide your words, soften your heart, and realign your life with God’s will. Keep coming to Him in honesty and faith. In Christ, your story will not end in guilt and distance, but in forgiveness, renewal, and a fresh walk with God.