Scripture Reading
Joel 2:12-13
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Reflection
God's call echoes through Joel and across every Lenten day: return. Not a grudging return out of fear, but a wholehearted turning toward the One who is gracious and merciful. The tearing of garments was an outward sign; God asks instead for a torn and humbled heart — an interior softening that makes room for his love. Lent is a season of coming home.
Prayer for Today
Oh gracious God, enlighten my mind and heart with truth, love, mercy, gratitude and compassion. Give me the courage to follow you daily in faith, love and hope. In my busy day help me
to think of you now and then.
Make me aware of the needs of the people around me. Help me to be grateful for what I have and help those with so much less. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
to think of you now and then.
Make me aware of the needs of the people around me. Help me to be grateful for what I have and help those with so much less. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Amen.