God has a plan for forgiving and restoring a nation. It begins with repentance. Notice the process: “If my people
who are called by my name shall HUMBLE themselves and pray . . . .” Repentance comes first. I have read what you have written, and you want to start with prayer. Prayer is wonderful, but it is NOT repentance.
He DOES mention “REPENT” in the first paragraph. You have to PRAY to the Lord to even have a means to repent.