The first reading is a reading from the book of the prophet Joel.

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.

Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord your God.

For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment.

Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing,

offerings and libations for the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion, proclaim a fast, call

and assembly, gather the people, notify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children,

and the infants of the breast. Let the bridegroom quit his room and the bride her chamber. the porch and the altar let the priests the ministers of the lord weep

and say spare o lord your people and make not your heritage a reproach with the nations ruling over them

why should they say among the people,

where is their God?

Then the Lord was stirred with the concern for his land

and took pity on his people.

The word of the Lord.

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sin. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sin. Have mercy on me,

O God, in your kindness, and the greatness of your compassion, wipe out my offense, thoroughly wash me from my guilt,

and of my sin cleanse me. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sin, for I acknowledge my offense,

and my sin is before me always. Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight be merciful o lord for we have sin a clean heart create for me o god and the steadfast spirit renew within me cast me not out from your

presence and your holy spirit take not from me. Be merciful,

O Lord, for we have sin. Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain

in me. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Be merciful, O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sin.

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