We have all done things we regret, but how do we handle the remorse and shame that follows?
The Bible says that God will forgive us of our transgressions, but how do we overcome our humiliation and put the past behind us?
When we are continuously reminded of our misdeeds, how do we go forward to walk in freedom from shame?
While we can’t stop ourselves from making errors or sinning, we can learn to forgive guilt and shame by accepting God’s mercy and grace.
This article will discuss overcoming shame, including letting go of guilt and mistakes we made as sinners.
We’ll also discuss how to let go of guilt—prayers for overcoming shame and humiliation and advice on how to do so.
Prayers For Regret And Guilt
Guilt and regret are deep emotions that haunt us our whole lives, and they can cause us to fall into depression or even feel suicidal. If you are regretful, this article has a prayer for that. God cares about your prayer requests inside and outside the church but also wants you to know that these prayers must come from a heart that genuinely seeks His will.
1. Be Kind And Compassionate To One Another, Forgiving Each Other, Just As In Christ, God Forgave You.
Ephesians 4:32
Heavenly Father, I apologize for all my sins and mistakes. I come to you today and plead for Your pardon and forgiveness of sin.
I am so undeserving of the blood of Jesus Christ, so kindly wash away my sin and clear my slate. I need you as my Savior because I am a sinner.
Take away the guilt of shame and disgrace from me in Jesus’ name, amen.
2. As Far As The East Is From The West, So Far Has He Removed Our Transgressions From Us.
Psalm 103:12
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that you give me the strength as I turn to Your Word for support to enable me to forget my lousy past and guilty mindset.
I shall accept freedom through Christ instead of remaining bound to the person I used to be.
I’ve decided to give them the grace you granted me. I appreciate your never-ending mercy.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
3. If We Confess Our Sins, He Is Faithful And Will Forgive Us Our Sins And Purify Us From All Unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Father in heaven, I am happy that my sins have been forgiven, but occasionally I remember them.
You promised us in your word that you removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west, as it is written in Psalm 103:12
When guilt holds me tied to the issues from my past, please help me to remember your promise.
Please help me to realize that I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
All these I ask in the name of Jesus, amen.
Prayers For Release From Guilt
Regret is a painful and deep emotion, though it is common for it to happen. It’s natural to want to look back at things we could have done better, even years ago. When we do our best at the moment yet feel regret later, this can be not very encouraging and make us question our worth. The feelings that come with regret can lead to guilt if they aren’t dealt with positively. Prayer can help deal with these emotions and purify a believer from sin.
4. A Prayer For Help And Mercy
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Lord, I bow before You in humbling submission and ask that in Your mercy and kindness, You would assist me in letting go of all the worries and fears.
I pray that all my issues, doubts, guilt, and disappointments that frequently fill my heart and mind throughout a day be taken away by you in Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Prayer For Forgiveness And Grace
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Heavenly Father, I humbly ask for your grace. I pray that you forgive me as I come before you today.
I have spent far too much time reflecting on my past. And I’m sick and tired of the guilt and regret.
Though I wish I could have changed my decisions, I cannot.
Lord, I entrust you with all of my anxiety right now. You did not intend for me to hate myself for everything I have done.
I pray you give me peace of mind and wash me of all guilt and shame. These I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers For Shame And Guilt
Many times we forget to thank God for the blessings in our lives. Sometimes we lose sight of the good things that have happened and feel a sense of shame and guilt for past mistakes. When we forgive ourselves for such errors and allow God’s love to heal our wounds, we release the pain and gain peace within
6. Prayer For Forgiveness Toward Others
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Dear Lord, I pray for others who have trouble forgiving themselves and myself.
You can feel so insecure as a result of unforgiveness. Because your Holy Word says in Romans 3:23: “Help them accept themselves for their shortcomings,”
I pray you to help us accept your peace and guidance so we can live guilt-free lives. All these I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
7. Prayer For An Open Heart To Accept God’s Love
Ephesians 1:7
“In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
Heavenly Father, as you forgive and purify our hearts of unforgiveness and guilty minds, help us comprehend your love above all our sins.
God, we humans have a lot of flaws in our earthly nature. Help us to accept our imperfections and know that you still love us despite them. Let there be at peace with ourselves on earth through Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for When You Have Messed Up
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s human nature. We can’t help but fall short of God’s expectations at times, even when we are trying our best. But have you ever prayed for yourself when you have messed up? Do you often feel there is nothing you can say in prayer besides “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me?” I’ve had to do both because I make mistakes. Cutting corners and bringing texts home from school – all things I shouldn’t have done, but I did anyway.
8. So Now There Is No Condemnation For Those Who Belong In Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
According to Your Word, those in Christ Jesus are not under condemnation, and because Christ Jesus has set me free, the law of the Spirit that gives life has no power over me.
I accept Your Word, and in doing so, I let go of all the guilt I’ve carried from the self-defeating lies I’ve believed.
Rather than what others or myself have said about me, I’ve decided to believe what You say.
I acquiesce in the fact that I am Your “work of art” and was “created in Christ Jesus to do good works,” I put my faith in You to guide me in embracing this truth every day.
9. Prayer Of Submission
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more.”
I surrender my fear to You, Father. I have allowed fear to paralyze and poison me for far too long, and I refuse it and offer everything into your hands now.
I choose faith over fear because I trust your kind intentions for me. I choose love over fear, knowing that Your “perfect love” will dispel all apprehension (1 John 4:18).
I accept Your Word, which declares that I “need not fear terror that stalks in the night, the arrow that flies in the day, the plague that strikes in the darkness, or calamity that destroys at noon,” because you are with me.
I choose Your light and truth over fear (Psalm 91:5-6, ISV).
Conclusion:
Even though we cannot prevent ourselves from making mistakes or committing sin as humans, we can learn to let go of guilt and shame by relying on God’s mercy and grace.
I earnestly desire that this article had shown you how to deal with shame, including how to let go of guilt and errors we made when we were still sinners.