The Prayer of Forgiveness

(by Mary Mrozowski/adapted by Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler)

Begin with a period of Centering Prayer.

Following this, spend a few moments in silence.

Close your eyes and gently ground yourself in your body;

scan your body with your inner eye and relax each part of your body.

... Rest in the area of your chest near your heart.

Breathe.

Focus on your heart and allow your heart to open.

Breath the light of the Spirit into your heart.

Open.

Continue to relax into your body...

Gently allow the Spirit to lead you through a passageway that is filled with light,

warmth and a welcoming presence.

Invite the Holy Spirit to bring forth a person, living or dead, whom you need to forgive.

Or, invite the Holy Spirit to support you as you call to mind a person that you wish to forgive.

Remain open to whomever appears in your sacred place.

Greet the person by name.

Share your experience of being in relationship with this person;

share how you have been hurt, offended, traumatized. Be specific.

Allow yourself to share your pain with this person.

Relax in the process and remain open.

When you feel ready, tell the person that you forgive them.

Gently say ‘I forgive you. I forgive you. I forgive you.’

Repeat as many times as needed until you feel ready to continue the process.

Now ask the person how you have offended, traumatized or hurt them.

Wait and listen.

Remain open to the process.

When you feel ready, gently say, ‘Forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me.’

Repeat as many times as needed until you feel complete in the process for now.

Observe your thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Just be present with them.

Allow the person to leave your sacred, safe place.

Invite the person to return at a later time if needed.

Rest in the Spirit.

Take as much time in silence as you wish.

Prepare to leave your sacred place.

Move out of the sacred place...through the door

into the passageway...grounded in your body.

Gently open your eyes when you feel ready.

Close with a prayer.