A Prayer of Repentance and Renewal (Joel 2:1-17)

Abba Father,

We hear Your call, the trumpet sounding in Zion, warning us to awaken from our complacency. The day of the Lord is near, and we do not want to be found unprepared. In Your mercy, You warn us, not to destroy us, but to draw us back to You.

Lord, we see the darkness that covers the land, the brokenness of our world, and the weight of sin that separates us from You. But You, O God, are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. You do not desire destruction but repentance. And so, we come before You, humbling ourselves in fasting and prayer, with hearts torn in true sorrow—not merely in outward display, but in deep, genuine repentance.

Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we have turned from You. We have allowed distractions, pride, and sin to lead us away from Your perfect will. Have mercy on us! Do not let us be put to shame before the nations, but restore us, O God, for the sake of Your great name.

Let the priests, the leaders, and all Your people cry out to You. Let every heart be stirred with urgency, from the youngest to the oldest. We do not seek revival for our own benefit, but that You may be glorified and that the world may know that You alone are God.

Spare us, Lord! Do not let our enemies mock, saying, “Where is their God?” Show Yourself mighty in our midst. Turn our mourning into joy, our barrenness into fruitfulness, our fear into faith. Pour out Your Spirit upon us once again, that we may walk in righteousness and proclaim Your goodness to all.

We return to You, O Lord, with all our hearts, trusting in Your mercy. May Your love and power be made known, not only in us but through us, that all may see and turn to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.