Rending Our Hearts
Today’s Verse:
Joel 2:12-13 ESV
“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.
On this first Monday in Lent, we should remember that this season calls us to repentance. But what does true repentance look like? In Joel’s day, people often expressed sorrow by tearing their garments—a public display of grief. But God makes it clear: He desires something deeper. He calls us to rend our hearts, not our garments. Our repentance is not just about outward actions but a sincere turning back to Him.
Fasting, prayer, and self-examination are important practices during Lent, but they must be accompanied by a heart that genuinely seeks God. The beauty of this passage is that even as God calls us to repentance, He reminds us of His grace, mercy, and steadfast love. We do not turn to a God eager to condemn, but to a Father who welcomes us with open arms.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious and merciful God, as I journey through Lent, help me to return to You with all my heart. Let my repentance be sincere, not just an outward ritual, but a true turning back to You. Thank You for Your steadfast love that never fails. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above is licensed through Unsplash+