Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the riches of Your kindness, mercy, and patience, knowing that Your kindness has led me to repentance (Romans 2:4). I confess that I have not extended that same patience and kindness toward others who have offended me. Instead, I have held anger, bitterness, and resentment in my heart. During this time of self-examination, I pray that you would bring to mind all the people that I need to forgive so that I may do so now (Matthew 18:35).
(Begin writing down the names that come to mind, then continue the prayer)
Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ, as an act of my will, I choose to forgive the following people:
- I choose to forgive & release (name) for (describe what he/she did)
- I choose to forgive & release (name) for (describe what he/she did)
(Continue down your list. Take a moment to pause and ask Holy Spirit if there’s anyone else. Then finish the prayer.)
Lord, Thank you for setting me free from the bondage of my bitterness. I also pray that if I have offended others, You will bring to mind only those people I need to seek forgiveness and the extent to which I need to seek it (Matthew 5:23,24). I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Note: I use the “I choose to forgive and release” phrase in everyday life so that I don’t leave a door cracked for the enemy to set up camp. I follow it up by thanking God for setting me free from the bondage of bitterness.
I may have to say it several times in one day, for weeks, or even months, but I do this until I no longer feel angry. If I think about the offense and it stirs a familiar emotion or response, I say it again. It really does work!
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