Forgiveness Prayer

Have you ever been abused, betrayed, slandered, lied to, cheated, hurt, looked over, or mistreated in any way? I'm sure everyone has. Have you ever struggled to forgive the one who treated you this way? I know I have. I believe forgiving someone who has wronged us is one of the most difficult things that we are commanded to do by Jesus. True forgiveness is only possible through willpower. Our will and God's power is how Charles Stanley put it.

I've been battling this forgiveness thing for some time now. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. One moment I'm at peace with it all and the next moment I'm enraged or in tears. God is all over it. He is holding up his end. His power is there but my will seems to come and go.

Someone who has no idea that I am struggling with this keeps appearing in my path and handing me things. Everything they have been handing me has been related to forgiveness. Recently this person handed me the following prayer written by Peter Marshall. I believe this prayer is the key to my freedom. If you are struggling with this or know someone who is, it just might be the key to your or their freedom as well.

Lord Jesus,
You know me altogether.You know that I have steadily refused to forgive this one who has wronged me, yet have had the audacity often to seek your forgiveness for my own wrongdoing.
The acids of bitterness and a vengeful spirit have threatened to eat away my peace. Yet I have stubbornly rationalized every unlovely motive. I have said, "I am clearly in the right. It is only human to dislike a few people. This one deserves no forgiveness." How well I know that neither have I ever deserved the forgiveness which you have always freely granted me.
So, Lord Jesus, I ask you now for the grace to forgive this hurt. Even now, I am divided about it, only partially willing to release it.
But You can manage even my reluctance, my loitering feet. Take now my divided will and make it of one piece, wholly Your will.
And Lord, I give to you this emotion of resentment which clings as if glued to my heart. Wrestle it from me. Cleanse every petty thought. Make me sweet again.
I dare to ask that You will not only forgive me to the extent that I have forgiven _____, but that you will bless _____ to the degree that You have blessed me. For these great mercies I thank You, in Your name, who gave me the supreme example in forgiving even those who slew you.
Amen