Joel 2:12–18

¹²Now, therefore, saith the Lord. Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and mourning.

¹³And rend your hearts, and not your garments and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil.

¹⁴Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God?

¹⁵Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly,

¹⁶Gather together the people, sanctify the church, assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed, and the bride out of her bridal chamber.

¹⁷Between the porch and the altar the priests, the Lord’s ministers, shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people: and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God?

¹⁸The Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people.