WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent–the 40-day season of preparation leading up to Easter. The optional imposition of ashes during the service is a physical symbol of our repentance and death–death to our selfish nature (Galatians 2:20). Ash Wednesday starts Lent by calling us to focus our hearts, for a season, on repentance and prayer while looking forward to the joy of Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

WHY DO WE USE ASHES?

Ashes represent the grief over our sins and serve as a reminder of the dust from which Adam was created. Partaking in the imposition of ashes during an Ash Wednesday service is a reminder of our mortality and of our accountability to God.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE?

This service includes worship, an opportunity for communion, and the choice to share in the imposition of ashes (receiving a mark of ashes on your forehead).

PRAYER

Father God,

As we enter into the season of Lent and reflect on your sacrifice, open our hearts to be moved and transformed through your love. Open our eyes to see our lives clearly and direct us back to you when we go astray. This Lenten season, may we remember how boundless your love for us truly is, and may we commit to growing closer to you every day.

In your heavenly name,

Amen.