Category Archives: Ash wednesday prayers

Lent 2023

Season of Lent 2023

Season of Lent 2023

The Season of lent is a time of spiritual reflection , introspection and renewal for Christians, as they prepare for the celebration Easter.

Lent season lasts for 40 days and leads to Easter . Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. Lent is a time of penance, reflection, and spiritual renewal for many Christians.

During Lent, Christians are called to observe a period of fasting, prayer, and repentance. This often involves giving up something, such as a favorite food or activity, as a form of self-denial and discipline. Some Christians may also choose to engage in acts of service or give to charity during this time.

The purpose of Lent is to prepare for the celebration of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. By reflecting on our own sinfulness and need for forgiveness, we can better appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Through repentance and spiritual renewal, we can grow closer to God and deepen our faith.

Lent is observed by many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists, among others. While the specifics of how Lent is observed may vary between different traditions, the overall focus on spiritual renewal and reflection remains the same.

Here are few reflections for the season of lent.

  1. Focus on gratitude: Rather than just giving up something for Lent, consider taking on a daily gratitude practice. Each day, write down or think about something you are thankful for. This can help shift your perspective and cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment.
  2. Practice mindfulness: Lent is a time for self-examination, and mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and observe your thoughts without judgment.
  3. Connect with others: Lent can be a time for community and connection. Consider attending a church service, volunteering with a local charity, or reaching out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
  4. Forgive others: Lent is also a time for forgiveness and letting go of grudges. Consider making amends with someone you’ve had a conflict with, or simply letting go of any resentment you may be holding onto.
  5. Cultivate humility: Lent is a time for self-reflection and growth. Practice humility by acknowledging your flaws and mistakes, and seeking to learn and grow from them.
    Remember that the season of Lent is not just about giving something up, but also about making positive changes in your life and deepening your spiritual practice. By reflecting on your values, connecting with others, and cultivating a sense of gratitude and mindfulness, you can make the most of this meaningful time.

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Ash wednesday

Ash wednesday

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person’s forehead, he speaks the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.

Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance.

Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s palm Sunday Mass.

It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Feasting is highly inappropriate. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance.

It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening.

Recently, movements have developed that involve pastors distributing ashes to passersby in public places. This isn’t considered taboo, but Catholics should know this practice is distinctly Protestant. Catholics should still receive ashes within the context of Mass.

In some cases, ashes may be delivxered by a priest or a family member to those who are sick or shut-in.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Why we receive the ashes

Following the example of the Ninevites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

“Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the church because of their sins — just as Adam, the first man, was turned out of Paradise because of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days’ penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession.

The Ashes

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

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Ash Wednesday Prayer

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Jesus, you place on my forehead
the sign of my sister Death:
“Remember you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.”

How not hear her wise advice?
One day my life on earth will end;
the limits on my years are set,
though I know not the day or hour.
Shall I be ready to go to meet you?
Let this holy season be a time of grace
for me and all this world.

“Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
O Jesus, you place on my forehead
the sign of your saving Cross:
“Turn from sin and be faithful
to the gospel.”

How can I turn from sin
unless I turn to you?

You speak, you raise your hand,
you touch my mind and call my name,
“Turn to the Lord your God again.”

These days of your favor
leave a blessing as you pass
on me and all your people.
Turn to us, Lord God,
and we shall turn to you.

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A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before me and invite me inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons me to see my life through Christ’s eyes and the truth and reality of your love incarnate. Give me the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of our meeting. And, when I open my soul to your presence, let your loving kindness flow over me and seep into the pockets of my heart. I ask this for the sake of your love.

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