Ash Wednesday is a penitent service that uses ashes to mark the sign of the cross on the believer’s forehead, symbolizing our sinful nature and need for salvation. Prayer plays an important part on Ash Wednesday as a time for reflection, repentance, and preparation for Lent. The Catholic church usually uses the ashes of Palm Sunday branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is traditionally a 40-day fast — a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert — that seeks to prepare the heart of the believer for the solemn remembrance of Jesus’ death. It concludes and is followed by a joyous Easter Sunday celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
A Prayer for Ash Wednesday:
Lord, Holy One, have mercy on us. We confess our sins to You. We have fallen short of Your glory and without Your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now. Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, be near to us. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to feel right conviction and repentance for our sin. Help us, by your Spirit, to have the strength to overcome the enemy.
Thank you, Lord, that Easter is coming! Death has no sting, no victory, because of Jesus! Glory and honor and praise to His Name! Thank you for rescuing us. Help us keep both the weight and the joy of this season in our hearts and we move through the next several weeks. Help us bear the good fruit of your Spirit.
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SOURCE: Crosswalk, Kelly Givens
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