REFLECTION
Wisdom marks our foreheads with ashes
as we begin the journey through Lent.
She intuits what these forty days may hold in store for us
and tries to prepare us.
Remembering Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness,
she knows the trials, temptations,
and vulnerability one encounters in seeking to reflect,
to shed, to open oneself, to prepare.
She remembers the wounds to come.
Jan L. Richardson, Sacred Journeys, p 133.
GATHERING
KYRIE ELEISON
OFFERING OUR SELVES TO GOD
PRAYER
Leader: O God, create a clean heart in me,
put into me a new and steadfast spirit;
People: Do not banish me from your presence;
do not deprive me of your Holy Spirit!
Leader: Be my savior again, renew my joy,
keep my spirit steady and willing;
People: Save me from bloodshed, O God of my salvation –
and my tongue will acclaim your justice.
Leader: Open my lips, Holy One,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
People: Sacrifice gives you no pleasure.
Leader: Were I to present a burnt offering,
you would not have it.
All: My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
you will not scorn this crushed and broken heart.
SILENCE
KYRIE ELEISON
COMMITMENTS FOR LENT
(Written and offered into the fire)
JOEL 2:1-2, 12-17
COMMUNITY PRAYERS
ANOINTING ONE ANOTHER WITH THE ASHES
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
LEAVING TO WALK WITH CHRIST IN THE WORLD
KYRIE ELEISON
BENEDICTION
Leader: Go in peace, and keep a holy Lent.
All: Amen.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Prayer based on Psalm 51, The Inclusive Bible, translated by Priests for Equality
