Glory to God

"Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people." Joel 2:15-18

The prophet Joel has some instructions for God's children--how they can appeal to God, receive His forgiveness, and avoid His wrath. We would all do well to heed those instructions because God is not pleased with America. Joel's first order is to call a serious prayer meeting. This meeting isn't just for the faithful few--he wants everyone to participate: not even the children are excused, or those getting ready for a wedding. Next, the priests are to lead the people in repentance--to humble themselves and seek forgiveness for their sins as well as those of the people. They are to come to God weeping, broken over their sin. Joel then tells the priests just exactly how to pray--how to persuade God to show mercy when they really deserve judgement. What is the final petition that moved the heart of God? It's about His name. He wants the nations to know Him. The mercy He shows to His inheritance will bring great glory to His name.
We should pray the same way--that revival in our church, our community, our nation will bring great glory to God and no one else!