Here is an opening and a closing prayer for Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2012). They come from a longer Ash Wednesday service, Called to Humility and Repentance, by Ron Kok in the December, 1999 issue of Reformed Worship.
Opening Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us for fellowship with you. You brought about our redemption through Jesus Christ to restore us to fellowship with you. Today we acknowledge you as our Creator and Redeemer. We acknowledge the frailty of our lives, the pain of our sinfulness, and even the weakness of our faith. Work in us, we pray, a spirit of true humility and fervor, as we join now to offer our prayers to you. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
we enter this season of Lent in penitence and humility, aware of our own mortality and sinfulness. Encourage us with your presence, we pray, that we may empty ourselves of whatever separates us from you and one another. Teach us to rely on no strength but yours, as we journey with your Son toward your kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
— from Called to Humility and Repentance: An Ash Wednesday Service by Ron Kok, in the December, 1999 issue of Reformed Worship. To view the entire service, click here.
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.
