prayers

12 Prayers for Repentence and Seeking God's Forgiveness

Explore our enlightening collection of prayers that guides you through the heartfelt practice of prayer for repentance and seeking forgiveness. Find comfort, healing, and renewal in your spiritual journey as this post helps to inspire your personal dialogue with the divine.

Last Updated:
February 26, 2024
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8 Minutes

Table of Contents

Prayer for Forgiveness of Sins Known and Unknown

Pros:

  • This prayer topic allows the supplicant to confess and ask forgiveness for all sins, both known and unknown.
  • It promotes a deeper sense of self-awareness, humility, and reliance on Christ's atonement.

Cons:

  • Some may find it challenging because of difficulty acknowledging or articulating unknowingly committed sins.
  • The prayer might lead to an obsessive focus on personal sinfulness, hindering the focus on God's love and mercy.

The subject of our confessional address today extends beyond seeking forgiveness for our known transgressions. We are venturing into the realm of the unseen, the sins we've unknowingly committed. These are like the hidden crevices in a mountain - hard to notice yet still part of the terrain. They remind us of our human falterings and the encompassing grace we require daily.

Let us pray,

Father in heaven, you who are abundant in mercy and steadfast in love, I come before you with a humble heart. I acknowledge my transgressions, those glaringly apparent to me and those concealed within the shadows of my consciousness. Just as a seed unknowingly carries the potential of a mighty tree, so do I unknowingly carry sins. 

Help me, O Lord, to unearth these hidden missteps, that I may lay them bare before your divine mercy. Just as the wind reveals the hidden paths in a field of wheat, may your Holy Spirit reveal my unknown sins. In your boundless grace, forgive me, cleanse me, and renew my spirit.

In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

As we rise from this prayer, hope and newfound strength envelop us. For we know we've entrusted even our unknown sins to an omnipotent God who, in His great mercy, grants forgiveness. Remember, a diamond is just a lump of coal that did well under pressure; similarly, our admission of undiscovered sins purifies us, reflecting God's grace more brilliantly. Remember today's prayer as one of renewal, a beacon guiding us towards God's unending forgiveness.

Prayer of Repentance for Neglecting God's Word and Will

Pros of this prayer topic:

  • Encourages spiritual growth by acknowledging neglect and seeking to correct it.
  • Promotes a deeper understanding of God's Word and aligns one's life with His will.

Cons of this prayer topic:

  • May bring feelings of guilt or regret, but also an opportunity for growth.
  • Repentance is a process that requires sincere commitment and may not produce instant results.

The theme of our prayer today focuses on repentance for negligence towards God's Word and Will. It is about recognition of our failings and seeking forgiveness and guidance to amend our paths. It taps into the heart of every Christian endeavor: the continuous growth in understanding and embracing the richness of God's Word and conforming our lives to His divine will.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I declare my remorse, having turned my eyes away from Your sacred Word, and let my steps drift from Your divine path. Like a ship adrift without a compass, I confess how lost I am without Your wise guidance. 

Lord, I repent for neglecting Your Word, Your light in my darkness, Your wisdom in my confusion. I humbly ask forgiveness, as You promised, to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. 

Instill a hunger within me, O God, a hunger for Your Word. Like a tree planted by the water, let Your teachings nourish my soul and guide my decisions. Help me sharpen my focus on Your Word, to keep my feet on the path of righteousness. 

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Concluding on our prayer topic, repentance offers healing for the soul as we humbly acknowledge our lapses and commit to aligning more with God's Word and Will. This journey is much like polishing a mirror; as we remove the dust of neglect, we can reflect God's love and grace more clearly.

Prayer to Be Made New in Christ Jesus

Pros of Prayer:

  • Encourages self-reflection and accountability.
  • Fosters a stronger relationship with God.
  • Provides spiritual healing and renewal.

Cons of Prayer:

  • It may be emotionally challenging confronting one's own sins.
  • Requires humility and a willingness to change.

The prayer of repentance and asking for forgiveness is anchored on the biblical principle of renewing oneself in Christ Jesus. As believers, we sometimes err and stray from the Lord's path. This prayer serves as a bridge back to righteousness, transforming us into new creations through the grace and mercy of Christ. 

Heavenly Father,

In humble submission, I come before you. I acknowledge my sins and ask for your forgiveness. In my weakness, I've strayed off Your path and allowed myself to be led away by worldly distractions. I am deeply sorry, Lord.

I seek the cleansing power of Your love to wash away my transgressions, making me pure and whole again. In the same way that the potter reshapes clay, may You mold me, Lord, into a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Merciful Father, fill my heart with love, strength, and wisdom. Guide me, I pray, so I may walk in Your light and reflect Your holy nature. Help me, O Lord, to be an embodiment of the change that being in Christ brings.

I believe in Your promise of renewal, dear Lord, and I long to experience this transformative power. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

In conclusion, the prayer of repentance is a powerful declaration of our desire to be reconciled with God and be made new in Christ Jesus. It's a means of accessing God's boundless mercy and grace. Like a tree shedding its old leaves to make room for the new, this prayer allows us to shed our past mistakes and wear a cloak of righteousness through Christ Jesus.

Prayer for Wisdom to Avoid Future Transgressions

Pros:

  • This prayer can encourage reflection and personal growth.
  • It nurtures a desire for wisdom, leading to improved decision making.

Cons:

  • It may lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy if not paired with the understanding of God's merciful nature.
  • Constant focus on past wrongs can overshadow the grace and freedom offered in Christ.

A prayer of repentance and for forgiveness is a humbling journey where one admits their mistakes, asks for pardon, and as importantly, seeks divine guidance to avoid future transgressions. Much like a beacon guiding a ship safely through turbulent waters, wisdom is our light in the darkness of moral conundrums. This prayer is a fervent plea for such illuminating wisdom from God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, acknowledging my mistakes and failures. Like a child lost in a forest, I admit my missteps. Lord, I'm sorry for my transgressions. Wash me clean with Your precious blood.

Father, I implore Your divine wisdom to guide me in my daily life. As a compass keeps a skipper true to his course, let Your wisdom align my actions with Your holy plans. Keep me from straying into the alleys of sin.

Teach me, dear Lord, to discern right from wrong. Like the potter molds the clay, mold my spirit and character according to Your divine blueprint. May my transformed life be a testament to Your mercy and love.

In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

The prayer of repentance is not a mere ritualistic utterance but a profound dialogue with God that fosters personal growth. It is the acknowledgment of faltering, coupled with the yearning for wisdom to prevent future slips. In essence, it is an echo of King David's plea— Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10) Repeating this prayer is not about highlighting our failures, but rather it emphasizes the endless mercy of God and our commitment to strive for consistent growth in His divine wisdom.

Prayer for Forgiveness Towards Those Who Have Wronged Us

Pros: 

  • Cultivates compassion and empathy towards those who have hurt us.
  • Encourages introspection and self-forgiveness by promoting a generous stance towards others.

Cons:

  • It may be challenging for some to forgive individuals who have caused significant harm.
  • This approach may inadvertently minimize personal emotions and experiences.

This prayer focuses on the theme of forgiveness, a cornerstone of Christian faith. As difficult as it may be to forgive those who hurt us, it is a pathway towards divine grace. In the spirit of Christ's teachings, we are called to rise above our human weaknesses and extend forgiveness to those who wronged us.

Prayer:

Divine Father, gracious and merciful, lead us in Your way of love. May Your Spirit of forgiveness overflow within us. We pray for those who have done us wrong, who have left scars on our hearts. 

Almighty God, let your mercy fall upon them. Help us to forgive them as You endlessly forgive us. Like autumn leaves swept away by the wind, lord, sweep away our grudges, our pain, and resentment. 

May we not cling onto the past, but turn to You, the source of all mercy. Transform our hearts, Oh Lord, into vessels of grace and forgiveness, mirroring Your boundless love. Like a river that flows continually, may our forgiveness too flow freely towards our offenders. 

In Christ’s name, who teaches us forgiveness, we pray. Amen.

Much like a tree letting go of its leaves in autumn, we too need to practice releasing our grudges and embracing forgiveness. By doing this, we align ourselves closer with God's love and His teachings. While it's undoubtedly challenging, it's a step towards healing and spiritual growth, enhancing our relationship with God and with others around us.

Prayer for Mercy and Grace in Our Weaknesses

Pros:

  • Allows for acknowledging personal weaknesses and repentance.
  • Encourages seeking divine mercy and grace.
  • Cultivates a humble heart and fosters spiritual growth.

Cons:

  • Some may feel uncomfortable recognizing their own weaknesses.
  • Might be challenging to express sincere remorse especially in areas where one feels justified.

The theme of our prayer is an opportunity to reflect upon our imperfections, realizing that we all fall short sometimes, and to seek divine intervention for strength. It’s a time to open our hearts to God's tender mercy and unending grace, despite our human frailty.

Let us pray,

Dear Heavenly Father, we recognize our weaknesses and shortcomings before you. Like cracked vessels, we are imperfect, yet you chose to love us still. Thank you for your grace that fills our cracks and makes us whole. 

Lord, we humbly confess our errors and earnestly seek your forgiveness. We plead for your mercy, knowing that on our own, we falter. Let your grace be our guiding light in times of darkness, a firm hand to uphold us when we stumble. 

We ask that your Holy Spirit guides us, turning our weaknesses into strengths, our failures into stepping stones. With your grace, may we rise above our human frailty and reflect your divine image more perfectly each day. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This prayer serves as a timely reminder of our reliance on God's mercy and grace, especially amid our weaknesses. It reinforces our belief that even in the face of our imperfections, His love remains steadfast, making us strong. This prayer encourages us to lean on God's unyielding grace and boundless mercy, transforming our weaknesses into avenues for divine intervention.

Prayer of Repentance for Unrighteous Thoughts and Actions

Pros:

  • It enables a connection with God, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness.
  • It helps to maintain moral integrity by confessing misdeeds.

Cons:

  • It may not immediately absolve guilt, requiring acceptance of God's forgiveness.
  • It may seem repetitive if unrighteous actions continue without change.

The act of repentance for unrighteous thoughts and actions forms a crucial part of the Christian faith. The journey towards righteous living often begins with a humble admission of our sinful tendencies. This prayer operates as the gentle whisper nudging us towards transformation. 

Dear Lord,

For the times my thoughts have strayed into the cavernous depths of unrighteousness, I repent. Like an errant traveler lost in a forest, my actions have oftentimes taken wrongful turns. In Your compassionate light, oh Lord, my missteps are visible. I humbly acknowledge them, seeking Your mercy.

Forgive me, Father, for allowing negativity to cloud my thoughts. Just as an untamed river erodes the riverbanks, so have my thoughts slowly eaten away at my morality. And for every unrighteous action birthed from these thoughts, let Your grace be my redemption. 

Lord, guide my thoughts, like a shepherd guides his flock, towards the path that truly honors You. May my actions be a testament to Your word. I lean on Your love and ask for a heart cleansed from sin. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

This prayer of repentance allows us to confront our shortcomings head-on. It is as though we are standing in front of a mirror, seeing our reflection marred by unrighteous thoughts and actions. Yet, in asking for forgiveness, we wipe the smudges clean and find the pure reflection God intended.

Prayer for God's Forgiveness and Cleansing

Pros:

  • Encourages humility and self-reflection.
  • Reinforces the concept of God’s mercy and willingness to forgive.
  • Helps alleviate feelings of guilt and promotes emotional healing.

Cons:

  • May lead some to focus too much on their sins, potentially leading to feelings of unworthiness.
  • The belief in immediate forgiveness might deter some from making meaningful changes in their behavior.

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Repentance and seeking forgiveness are at the heart of the Christian journey. Like a river that washes away the grime to reveal the beauty beneath, prayer for God's forgiveness and cleansing refreshes our souls, liberating us from the weight of our trespasses. This act of faith acknowledges our human frailty and the boundless grace of the Divine, inviting us into a closer, purer relationship with God.

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Heavenly Father,

In Your presence, I humbly come, bearing the weight of my transgressions. Like mud clinging to my feet, my sins hinder my walk with You. In Your infinite mercy, please wash me clean, as only You can.

Lord, Your love is like an ocean, vast and unfathomable. Yet I confess, I have strayed from its shores, enticed by fleeting pleasures and momentary gains. I acknowledge my wrongs, seen and unseen, and ask for Your forgiving embrace to enfold me.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, nor take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.

For it is in recognizing my flaws, I see Your perfection. In admitting my weakness, I find Your strength. Lord, I seek not just Your forgiveness but also Your guiding hand, leading me away from temptation and toward Your eternal light.

Amen.

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The prayer for God's forgiveness and cleansing reminds us of the endless depth of God's love and mercy. It is an acknowledgment that we are all works in progress, constantly in need of divine guidance and purification. While we may stumble and fall, this prayer reaffirms our commitment to rise, cleansed and renewed, ready to walk in the light of God's love. May this prayer inspire a continued journey towards spiritual rejuvenation and a life that reflects the beauty of God's grace.

Prayer for Strength to Turn Away from Sin

Pros:

  • Encourages personal reflection and acknowledgment of weaknesses.
  • Strengthens one’s resolve and dependence on divine assistance.
  • Fosters spiritual growth and character development.

Cons:

  • May lead to feelings of guilt or unworthiness if not coupled with the understanding of God’s grace.
  • The focus on sin might overshadow the concept of living a positive Christian life through love and good deeds.

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In the journey of faith, turning away from sin is akin to a sailor navigating against the tide. It requires strength, perseverance, and an unwavering trust in the compass of divine guidance. This prayer specifically seeks not just forgiveness but the fortitude to resist temptation, to turn our sails towards righteousness, guiding us back to the path marked by the footprints of Christ.

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Dear Heavenly Father,

In the quiet of this moment, I come before You, humbly acknowledging my weaknesses and the times I have faltered. Your Word lights the path, but too often, I find myself wandering in shadows, enticed by sin. Today, I seek not only Your forgiveness but also Your mighty hand to guide me back into Your light.

Lord, grant me the strength to turn away from the temptations that so easily ensnare. Like a tree planted by streams of water, let me be steadfast in Your ways, unfazed by the storms of sin. May Your Spirit within me be a fortress, so that every thought, word, and deed may be captive to Your will.

In moments of weakness, remind me of Your enduring love and mercy. Help me to see beyond the fleeting pleasures of sin, to envision a life that glorifies You in every way. Through Your Son Jesus, empower me to rise above my failings, to live in the victory won on Calvary.

Amen.

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Embarking on a quest for spiritual purity is not a solitary venture but a journey taken hand in hand with the Divine. This prayer serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards righteousness. As we seek the strength to turn away from sin, we are reminded of the boundless grace that forgives, renews, and transforms. Let this prayer be a stepping stone towards a life lived in full harmony with God’s will, a testament to the power of redemption and the beauty of a soul reborn in Christ’s image.

Prayer for Humility to Acknowledge Our Shortcomings

Pros:

  • Encourages personal growth and self-reflection.
  • Strengthens spiritual connection through acknowledgment of human imperfection.
  • Fosters a culture of forgiveness and understanding, both with God and within communities.

Cons:

  • May be difficult for some to confront and vocalize their faults.
  • Risk of feeling unworthy or discouraged if not approached with grace and understanding.

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Humility is the soil in which spiritual growth finds its roots. Acknowledging our shortcomings not only draws us closer to God but also weaves the fabric of genuine transformation within us. In a world that often promotes self-reliance, admitting we fall short can feel like walking against the tide. Yet, it's this act of surrender, recognizing our need for divine intervention, that ushers in true freedom and healing.

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Gracious Lord,

In the quiet of this moment, I approach You with a heart seeking forgiveness. For in my weakness, Your strength is made perfect. Humble me, O Father, that I may see my frailties not as failures, but as openings for Your grace to enter.

Forgive me for the times I've placed myself above others, for moments my pride overshadowed compassion. Teach me the humility of Christ, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.

In my acknowledgment of weakness, let me find strength. In my confession of arrogance, guide me to humility. May my spirit be like fertile ground, where seeds of Your love and mercy grow into a bountiful harvest of good works, done not for my glory, but Yours.

Amen.

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In embracing our vulnerabilities, we discover our true strength. This prayer of repentance and request for humility does not showcase weakness but rather unveils the beauty of human dependence on divine grace. It's a reminder that in our imperfection lies the perfect opportunity for God's power to transform us, making us vessels of His light in a world that desperately needs it. Let us then walk forward, not in shame of our shortcomings, but in the humble acknowledgment that through them, we are drawn closer to the heart of God.

Prayer for a Renewed Spirit and Right Relationship with God.

Pros:

  • Fosters humility and acknowledgment of one’s imperfections before God.
  • Encourages personal growth and a deeper spiritual connection with the divine.
  • Opens the pathway for divine forgiveness, healing, and transformation.
  • Clears conscience and provides spiritual renewal.

Cons:

  • May lead to feelings of unworthiness or guilt if not balanced with the understanding of God’s love and mercy.
  • The focus on sin and repentance might overshadow the aspect of grace for some individuals.

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In our journey through life, our spirits can sometimes grow weary, and our relationship with God may falter. At the heart of rekindling this divine connection is the prayer for a renewed spirit and a right relationship with God. This prayer is a bridge back to the love and mercy that await us when we acknowledge our wanderings and seek to return home. Like a compass guiding a lost traveler, this prayer aligns our hearts with the true North of God's will, leading us into a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the Divine.

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Heavenly Father,

In the quiet of this moment, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your presence in my life. I confess the times I’ve wandered far from Your side, seeking my own path, ignoring Your call. Lord, forgive me for these moments of weakness and guide me back into Your loving embrace.

Renew in me a steadfast spirit, O God. Like clay in the hands of the potter, reshape my heart and make it whole once again, that I might serve You with renewed vigor and joy. Wash away the stains of my errors and clothe me in Your righteousness, so that I may stand confidently as Your child, restored and renewed.

Grant me, O Lord, a right relationship with You—a bond that neither the trials of life nor the distractions of this world can break. In Your mercy, let Your light shine through the cracks of my imperfect heart, illuminating the path back to You and guiding others along the way.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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In embracing the prayer for a renewed spirit and a right relationship with God, we open our hearts to the transformative power of divine forgiveness and love. This prayer is not just a plea for spiritual renewal but an invitation to embark on a lifelong journey of growth and closeness with our Creator. It reminds us that, irrespective of how far we may stray, the road back to God’s grace is always within reach, lit by the lamp of repentance and guided by the compass of His unfailing love.

Prayer of Repentance for Not Loving Others Well

Pros:

  • Encourages self-examination and spiritual growth.
  • Fosters a culture of humility and forgiveness.
  • Strengthens relationships through acknowledgment of shortcomings and intention to improve.

Cons:

  • May lead to feelings of guilt or unworthiness if not balanced with the understanding of God's grace.
  • The specificity might make it harder for those not identifying with the issue to engage.

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In our journey with Christ, loving others is not just a command; it's the very essence of His teachings. Yet, so often, we find ourselves falling short in this divine assignment. Whether it's through neglect, harsh words, or simply not being there for others, our failure to love as Christ loves can create ripples of pain and distance. Acknowledging these moments and seeking forgiveness is not only a step towards healing but a testament to our commitment to live more like Jesus every day. This prayer seeks to bridge the gap between our human frailties and the perfect love God calls us to embody.

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Heavenly Father,

In Your boundless compassion, You have taught us that love is the greatest commandment—to love You with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Yet, amidst my weaknesses, I confess that I have not loved well. Like a garden left untended, my neglect has allowed thorns of indifference and judgment to grow where flowers of kindness and understanding should bloom.

Lord, forgive me for the times my love has been conditional, my patience limited, and my kindness selective. In the mirror of Your perfection, I see the flaws of my own affections, the missed opportunities to reflect Your love to the world around me. Wash me clean with the merciful rains of Your forgiveness, and cultivate in me a heart that loves unreservedly, sees beyond faults, and seeks to mend bridges rather than build walls.

Grant me the courage to extend my hand in reconciliation and the humility to ask for forgiveness from those I've wronged. Let my life be a testament to the transformative power of Your love, turning the fallow ground of my failings into fertile soil for Your goodness to grow.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

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In the quiet aftermath of our prayer, let us carry forward the resolution to love better, to see each person through the eyes of Christ's compassion, and to act as vessels of His unfailing love. This prayer is not just words uttered in repentance but a pledge to become architects of healing and unity in a fractured world. As we move forward, let the sincerity of our contrition be the foundation upon which stronger, more loving relationships are built, reflecting the boundless love of our Creator with every step.

Frequently asked questions

Question: What is the prayer of repentance and forgiveness?

Answer: The prayer of repentance and forgiveness, also known as the sinner's prayer, is a prayer that one offers to God to ask for His mercy and forgiveness for the sins we have committed. It is an honest acknowledgment of our shortcomings and an appeal for divine grace to renew our lives in Christ's love.

Question: Why do we need to pray for repentance and forgiveness?

Answer: We are all flawed beings who fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Prayer for repentance and forgiveness allows us to admit our mistakes, seek God's mercy, and strive for a more virtuous life. This process helps to mend our relationship with God and promote spiritual growth.

Question: What are the components of a prayer of repentance and for forgiveness?

Answer: A prayer of repentance typically includes confession of sins, expression of remorse, request for forgiveness, commitment to change, and gratitude for God's love and mercy. It's a conversation with God where our hearts are laid bare, taking solace in His promises of forgiveness through repentance (1 John 1:9).

Question: Is there a specific formula or words to say when praying for repentance and forgiveness?

Answer: While there are structured prayers like the Act of Contrition, there's no strict formula for praying for repentance and forgiveness. It's more about an open, honest dialogue with God. Admit your sins, express remorse, ask for forgiveness, and pledge to do better - all in your own words and from your heart - and trust in God's mercy.

Question: How often should we pray for repentance and forgiveness?

Answer: As often as we recognize we have sinned. Sin separates us from God, so it's important to seek reconciliation as soon as possible. However, daily repentance keeps our hearts humble, reminds us of God's mercy, and encourages us to strive for righteousness.

Question: How do we know if God has heard our prayer of repentance and for forgiveness?

Answer: In 1 John 5:14-15, we are reassured that if we pray according to God's will, He hears us. So, when we genuinely repent and seek God's forgiveness, we can be confident that He hears our prayers. Oftentimes, we feel a sense of peace afterwards - that's God's way of assuring us that we have been forgiven. Nevertheless, we should show the sincerity of our repentance through a changed life.

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