Ash Wednesday

Ashing at the Holy Communion

GREETING
      The Lord be with you
        And also with you.
 
SENTENCE
      The Lord is merciful and gracious, he does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities. Psalm. 103:8a, 10.
 
WORDS AND PRAYERS
 
COLLECT.
      Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
THE EPISTLE AND GOSPEL
 
SERMON
 
THE GIVING OF ASHES
      Those who may wish to receive the ashing as a symbol of repentance should come to the communion rail. Last years Palm Crosses may be offered for burning. There is no expectation that all should participate in the ashing itself. Simply remain in your pew and use the time for personal repentance.
 
      Dear friends in Christ, let us ask our Father to bless us as we prepare to use these ashes as a mark of our repentance.
      Lord, bless the sinner who asks for forgiveness and bless all those who receive these ashes. May they keep this Lenten season in preparation for the joy of Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Giving of Ashes.
      Turn away from sin and turn to Christ.
      Come back to the Lord with all your heart; leave the past in ashes, and turn to God with tears and fasting, for he is slow to anger and ready to forgive. cf Joel.2:13.
 
PRAYERS
      The Lord be with you
        And also with you
      Let us pray
 
      Lord, with your loving care, guide the penance we have made.
      Help us to persevere with love and sincerity
        in the power of your grace.
      We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
THE PSALM Said together.
      Psalm 51,
 
THE PREPARATION
 
THE THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION
 
THE SENTENCE
      Happy is the man who enjoys reading the law of the Lord, and studying it day and night. Psalm.1:2.
 
THE LORD'S PRAYER
 
THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
 
THE BLESSING

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