““Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.”” –

Joel 2:12-13

This passage full of hope comes from one of the most dreadful passages of the Bible, in which the old testament prophet Joel is announcing the Day of the Lord: one of darkness, gloom, devouring fires and people in anguish. However, in the midst of announcing the judgment and destruction that is to come, Our God, in the compassionate and pleading voice of a father yearning for his wayward children, reminds us that it is not too late to return to Him!

Maybe this invitation to return to God resonates with you today. Maybe you feel like you are the prodigal son – wearied by what this world has offered you. Maybe you feel as though you are the older son in the parable, who has forgotten the compassionate heart of his Father because of laws and customs. Or maybe… like Peter, you have discounted yourself from the Father’s love because of the things you have done in the past, of which you cannot forgive yourself. The voice that issued the invitation through the prophet Joel, is inviting you as well: return to the Father’s love; step back into truth – lay down your burdens and come back to the one who created you. 

May this prayer plan guide you back into the Father’s embrace, back to the simplicity of loving God and being loved by Him. 

God bless you!

-Prayer Spring Team