Ash Wednesday: Call to Worship

Here’s a call to worship litany for Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2012).  It comes from an Ash Wednesday liturgy written by Dale Dirksen (2004).

Call to Worship
(based on Joel 2:12-14)

Behold, now is the acceptable time.
Today is the day of God’s salvation.
We tremble in fear and anticipation
at the nearness of a God so great and powerful.
Return with all your heart,
with weeping, fasting, and mourning.
God is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Be reconciled to God, through Christ Jesus,
and receive a new and right spirit within.
We will fast and pray as an inner discipline,
preparing ourselves for faithful discipleship.

— D. Dirksen, 2004 for the Canadian Centre for Worship Studies

For other worship resources for Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2012), click on Ash Wednesday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.