Here’s a suggested opening for an Ash Wednesday service (February 22, 2012). It was written by John Paarlberg, pastor of First Church in Albany, New York as part of a longer Order of Worship for Ash Wednesday. To see the whole service, click here.
Ash Wednesday Opening
Opening Sentences (John 3:16-17)
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but in order that the world might be saved through him.
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Prayer
O God the Father, creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy on us.
O God the Son, redeemer of the world
Have mercy on us.
O God the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide,
Have mercy on us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
three persons and one God,
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
O God the Son, redeemer of the world
Have mercy on us.
O God the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide,
Have mercy on us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity,
three persons and one God,
Have mercy on us.
Loving God,
whose glory it is always to have mercy:
Be gracious to us who have gone astray from your ways,
and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith
to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word,
Jesus Christ your Son.
whose glory it is always to have mercy:
Be gracious to us who have gone astray from your ways,
and bring us again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith
to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word,
Jesus Christ your Son.
— written by John Paarlberg, in An Order of Worship for Ash Wednesday. Posted on the website of the Reformed Church in America.
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.
