Opening Prayer: Almighty God, You call your people to obedience no matter the cost and no matter what the world around is doing. Open my heart to the resolve I need to do Your will no matter the cost. Amen

Read: Joel 1:1-12
Reflect: What terrible fate has fallen upon the people Joel is writing to? Who does Joel specifically mention as the recipients of his words? Have you ever experienced loss like the people Joel is writing to, can you relate?

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself.

Hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow;
Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow;
Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Closing Prayer: Help me know and do Your will, O Lord, all day.