Week 2 — The Call to Turn

Scripture: Joel 2:12–13

12 Yet even now, says the Lord,
    return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13     rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love,
    and relenting from punishment.

Prayer:
Gracious God, soften our hearts. Turn us from what harms, distracts, or diminishes us. Restore in us a spirit willing to follow You. Amen.

Reflection:
Repentance is not shame—it is invitation. Joel reminds us that God calls us to return with our whole hearts because God is gracious and compassionate. Lent is a season of turning: from hurry to stillness, from self‑reliance to trust, from old habits to new life. Every small turning opens space for grace to take root.