Ash Wednesday Prayer Guide
In light of sever weather we are cancelling our Ash Wednesday service tonight. We're sad we cannot worship together tonight but our highest priority is the safety of our volunteers and community members.
But, just because we aren't together doesn't mean we can't use Ash Wednesday as an opportunity to pray, reflect, and enter into the season of lent.
Below we've put together some resources as a guide for praying through Ash Wednesday.
Introduction
Historically, Ash Wednesday has been a season in which Christians prepared for baptism and walked through a process of restoration after sin. Baptism and restoration are linked together by confession, repentance, and renewal. In both, we die to sin and live in Christ and in both, we receive anew our identity as beloved children of God.
Bible Reading
Psalm 51 - Psalm of Confession
Matthew 3:16 - 4:10 - Jesus' baptism and temptation
"The heavens opened, and the Father's voice proclaimed over you: 'You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased!' The fire of the Holy Spirit conquered the wound of sin and gave you new life in his Son, Jesus Christ." - Father Innocent Montgomery
Reflection
Confession is being honest and truthful about reality. In confession God is faithful to hear us, to help us and to restore us. (1John 1:9) We can take responsibility before God because our wrongdoing does not bring condemnation (Romans 8) so it isn't done out of fear of punishment. We turn (repentance) toward God because we are always offered paths towards restoration.
Do you know your true identity as a beloved child of God? What keeps you from receiving God's love or the love of others.
Where do you want restoration in your life?
Where would you like to see restoration happen in our world, communities, families?
Allow yourself to sit quietly asking God to make love real to you.
Prayer of confession
God of healing,
God of wholeness,
we bring our brokenness,
our sinfulness,
our fears
and despair,
and lay them at your feet.
God of healing,
God of wholeness,
we hold out hearts and hands,
minds and souls
to feel your touch,
and know the peace
that only you can bring.
God of healing,
God of wholeness,
this precious moment
in your presence and power
grant us faith and confidence
that here broken lives
are made whole.
Additional Reading
