Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. I encourage you to join us this Wednesday, Feb 22, at 7 PM for a service of prayer, repentance and the imposition of ashes. Some Christians call the season of Lent “The Bright Sadness”. While it is a season of repentance, reflection and mourning it is punctuated with weekly expressions of joy and celebration. It is a forced sadness that we bring upon ourselves as we begin the journey with Jesus to the cross (sadness) and through that to the resurrection (bright).
This post includes the Scripture readings for both Ash Wednesday and the 1st Saturday of Lent. If you don’t have a habit of reading Scripture this Lenten season is a good time to take one up. Prayerful reflection on the weekly readings that we use in our worship service is a good place to start. Volume is good but in depth reflection is better. Letting the words of Scripture sink down deep over the days of the week opens up those words to read our lives as we read the lines.
In addition to the Scriptures I have also included two traditional prayers that are associated with Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. These are great guides and prompts to our praying life. May God bless you as you pray and read, read and pray!
Scriptures for Ash Wednesday:
Isaiah 58:1-12 • Psalm 103 • 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 • Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scriptures for the 1st Saturday of Lent:
Genesis 9:8-17 • Psalm 25 • I Peter 3:18-22 • Mark 1:9-13
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
