Do we have to pray to be forgiven?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I John 1 : 9

When you do something bad, you should talk with God about it right away. Tell Him that you know what you did was wrong. Then ask Him to forgive you and show you what to do next.
The word "confess" means that you tell God what you have done, agree with him that it is wrong, and ask him to forgive you. Because only God can forgive sins, you need to confess to Him in order to be truly forgiven. You have his promise that he will always forgive you if you are truly sorry for what you have done. He is your loving, forgiving heavenly Father.

ACTIVITY
Borrow a hand mirror from a family member if you don't have one, and (with that person's permission) paint on the glass with black, green & purple water colors, leaving only a few tiny places unpainted. It's hard to see yourself in the mirror, isn't it? Sin can make it hard to see yourself clearly, too. But God looks at your heart, even it is smudged with sin. Now wash the paint off with water & clean it with a paper towel. When you ask him to, God forgives you & cleans your sin away. He wipes away sadness too. Thank God for his forgiveness and love.

Betsy Elliot