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Are you looking for an April 16 prayer to read and reflect on? We provide a guiding Bible verse, prayer questions, and example prayer for the day below.
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Bible verse for April 16
Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]. (Joel 2:12, AMPC)
Prayer Reflections for April 16
Some context about the first few chapters of Joel: In Joel 1, the prophet spoke of the devastation that Judah was facing as they turned away from God and did evil. Joel 2 speaks of a time that has not yet come. Reading through the first several verses we see fire, anguish, and darkness come up, but God is gracious and wants to forgive His people, both then and now.
The Lord warns His people of what will come, but He also gives us instruction on what we must do: repent. We are told in verse 12 to “keep on coming” to the Lord. I feel it’s important to take special notice of how we must come– with all our heart, fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Let’s reflect together on why we must come to God in this fashion:
- God is relational and wants to connect with you on an intimate level. What are things that are keeping you from following God with all your heart? What struggles do you have with continuing to follow God with all your heart?
- Fasting, weeping, and mourning may seem like an odd way to face God. However, the purpose of this is a repentant heart. I love the way the Easy-to-Read Version ends the verse, “Show that you are sad for doing wrong.” What is something that is hindering your relationship with God? What can you do today to start seeking God more intentionally?
When we recognize and give name to the things keeping us from seeking God, they can no longer hinder our relationship with Him. God is all-loving and wants us to return to His side–for the broken fellowship to be restored.
April 16 Prayer
Lord, thank you for breaking every chain that holds me down. You alone are worthy to praise and I want to get closer to you more, each and every day. Help me Lord to dwell in Your presence rather than stay stranded in my guilt or worries. Let my heart soften towards You and the things that You love. Lord, whatever stands between us, I ask that it be removed so I may get closer to You. To the things that I’ve accepted or conformed to, Lord, please open my eyes and help me see what You want me to see. In Your Mighty name, Amen.
Resource of the Day
I focus best while worshiping God with music. You can find a Focus Worship set here along with other Youtube playlists for working out, surrendering, and living loved.
