Here’s an opening prayer (or Prayer
Before the Burning of Palms) for Ash Wednesday.
It was written by Rev. Marilyn K. Levine.
Ash Wednesday Prayer
God of our Hearts,
not of our outer garments, nor our
church structures,
nor our programs and human plans,
you are the only one who can make
us pure.
You are the only one who can wash
us clean of all our sin and guilt.
You alone can save us from the
terrible Day of the Lord.
You are the merciful and just
God.
If we turn, we see you.
Help us to turn, O God of all
hearts,
and find you here with us:
Emmanuel – the Christ-heart within
us all.
We light our fires for you, to
reflect your shining.
~ from Heart of the
Matter: Service for Ash Wednesday, written by Rev. Marilyn K. Levine.
Posted on the United Church of Christ website.
http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/year-a/le/lent-ash-wednesday.html
