To Tear My Heart with Grief and Repent

 That is why the LORD says,
    “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
    Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
    but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the LORD your God,
    for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
    He is eager to relent and not punish.

—Joel 2:12-13 (NLT)

Merciful and Gracious LORD God,

Fully expose my every sin and bring me to heartfelt grief, so that my grief would lead me to true, godly repentance.  And in that repentance, let me return to You, so You can heal me and make me whole again.

Let any outward, visible manifestation of my grief over my sin be an accurate indication of how my heart is torn with grief—as I resolve to turn from that sin, to leave it behind forever, to throw myself once again on Your mercy, to ask for Your forgiveness and return to You.

Help me to make the choice to return to You now, with the confidence that comes from believing that You truly want to be in relationship with me—and in the understanding that You are full of mercy and compassion, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love

Let me run back to You quickly, with the assurance that You are willing to welcome me back, ready to relent from giving me the punishment that I deserve, and are eager to bring me back to that walk of obedience into which You first called me.

Fully expose my every sin and bring me to heartfelt grief, so that my grief would lead me to true, godly repentance.  And in that repentance, let me return to You, so You can heal me and make me whole again.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.