INTENTION
Forgiveness to Parents
MEDITATION
Ephesians 6:2-3 - "Honor your father and mother— which is the first commandment with a promise— that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."
Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Meditate on the importance of honoring and forgiving parents. Reflect on their humanity, acknowledging that forgiveness fosters healing in family relationships.
Sometimes, parents make mistakes that hurt us, just like anyone else. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused about those mistakes. But holding onto those feelings can weigh you down, like carrying a heavy backpack. Forgiveness can help you let go of that heaviness and find peace.
Remember, forgiveness doesn't mean:
Pretending it didn't happen.
Saying it was okay.
Forgetting how it made you feel.
Instead, forgiveness can be like:
Putting down that heavy backpack and feeling lighter. Choosing to be happy instead of angry. Understanding that everyone makes mistakes, even grown-ups.
Here are some steps to think about on your journey of forgiveness:
Talk to someone you trust. It could be a teacher, counselor, friend, or another adult you feel safe with. Sharing your feelings can help you understand them better.
Remember the good things. Even though your parents made mistakes, they probably love you and do good things for you too. Try to focus on those things as well.
Understand your parents. Maybe they were brought up by 2 unserious fellows who never did their best. So what you see your parents doing is what they could best do.... Pray for them instead.
Be patient. Forgiveness takes time. Don't pressure yourself to feel forgiven right away. Just keep reminding yourself that you want to be happy, and forgiveness can help you get there.
Remember, you are strong and brave. You can get through this, and forgiveness can help you find peace and happiness.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the occasions of sin. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven, allowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day oudaily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not Into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
DAY - 3 NOVENA PRAYERS
Loving Father, help me forgive my parents for any hurts, knowing that forgiveness brings restoration and strengthens family bonds. May Your love guide our relationships. Amen.
A Prayer for Forgiving my parents
Dear God, I come to you today with a heavy heart, seeking understanding and peace. I carry pain from my past, hurt by the actions and words of my parents. To my mother, I offer forgiveness for the times she caused me pain, whether through resentment, anger, or punishment. I release the burden of feeling unloved or compared to others. I forgive her for words that belittled or wounded me, even if they stemmed from her own struggles. I let go of the pain of feeling unwanted or a mistake. To my father, I offer forgiveness for his absence, whether physical or emotional. I release the hurt of his lack of support, love, or time. I forgive him for his anger, his addictions, and any choices that caused distance between us. I forgive him for leaving, divorcing, or failing to be the father I needed.
I know, God, that forgiveness is not about condoning their actions, but about releasing myself from the burden of pain. It is about choosing peace and healing for my own heart. Help me, God, to understand that my parents, like all humans, are flawed and imperfect. Help me see their actions through the lens of their own struggles and limitations. Grant me the grace to let go of anger and resentment, and replace them with compassion and understanding.
I may not yet fully comprehend the reasons behind their choices, but I trust that you, God, know and understand all things. I surrender the weight of this pain to you, seeking your guidance and comfort.
May forgiveness bloom in my heart, like a flower reaching for the sun. May it bring lightness and release, allowing me to move forward with love and peace. In your name, I pray. Amen.
LITANY OF FORGIVENESS | Hymn & Score Library (hymscolibrary.com)