Prayers for Forgiveness
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51 (50) — The Psalm of Repentance
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy steadfast love; according to Thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But grant rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer Before Confession
O Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed. I am not worthy to lift my eyes to heaven, for I have transgressed Thy holy commandments and done what is displeasing to Thee. But as Thou didst receive the Prodigal Son when he returned, receive me also in my repentance. As Thou didst forgive the sinful woman who washed Thy feet with her tears, wash away my sins with Thy mercy.
I place before Thee my entire life, O Master. Forgive me everything, according to Thy great goodness, for Thou art the God of the penitent and the Savior of sinners, and to Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.