Novena for Forgiveness – 9 Days of Prayer

For those struggling to forgive, carrying resentment, or seeking God's forgiveness

The Novena for Forgiveness helps you pray through resentment, grudges and the wounds that keep replaying. It asks for the grace to forgive others and to receive God's forgiveness yourself. Jesus linked the two in the Lord's Prayer, and this novena follows his lead. Forgiveness is rarely a feeling at first; it is a decision repeated daily, and nine days of prayer can begin it. It does not require you to excuse harm, only to loosen its hold on you. If you have wronged someone, the novena also helps you prepare to apologise honestly and to ask God for mercy.

9 daysintention

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. You can begin this novena on any day.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

Novena for Forgiveness – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For the Grace to Forgive Others and to Receive God's Forgiveness

Lord Jesus, from the cross You prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I ask for the grace to follow Your example and to forgive those who have hurt me.

Lord God, You have forgiven me so much. You sent Your only Son to die for my sins so that I might be reconciled to You. Yet I struggle to extend that same forgiveness to others.

I have been hurt, Lord. The wounds are real and the pain is deep. But I know that holding on to resentment and bitterness only poisons my own soul. I do not want to be a prisoner of unforgiveness any longer.

By the power of Your grace — not by my own strength — I choose to forgive. I release those who have wronged me into Your hands. I let go of my desire for revenge and my need to see them punished. I entrust justice to You, the only righteous Judge.

(Pause here to mention your intentions)

Lord, heal the wounds in my heart. Where I have been hurt, pour in Your love. And where I have hurt others, grant me the humility to seek their forgiveness. Forgive me my trespasses, as I forgive those who trespass against me.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

Merciful Jesus, I trust in You.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Catholic Devotional Prayer · Inspired by Matthew 6:14-15 and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Novena for Forgiveness?

Start when you are ready to loosen a grudge, or before a hard meeting or a holiday gathering.

How do I pray the Novena for Forgiveness?

Pray the daily prayer once a day, naming the person or the hurt. Add confession if you need it.

Who is the Novena for Forgiveness for?

It is for anyone carrying resentment, guilt or a broken relationship.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play