Description
Step into the sacred journey of Lent with “Ash Wednesday Service: A season of unmasking,” a deeply contemplative and beautifully crafted service. Written by Rev. Anne HK Apple, a seasoned PC(USA) minister with over 20 years of pastoral experience, this liturgy invites congregations into a time of repentance, renewal, and reflection.
What’s inside?
- Call to worship & opening prayer – Grounded in scripture and poetic theology, setting a reverent tone for the season.
- Scripture readings & hymns – Thoughtfully selected texts from Isaiah 58, 2 Corinthians 5, and Matthew 6, paired with classic hymns, including “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” and “Psalm 51: A Psalm of Penitence.”
- Imposition of ashes – A moving invitation to receive the mark of ashes, accompanied by prayers of confession and a litany of penitence that speaks to both personal and communal transformation.
- Holy Communion (optional) – Designed for churches that observe the Lord’s Supper on Ash Wednesday, including a rich Eucharistic prayer and words of institution.
- Blessing and charge – A sending that commissions worshippers to embody Lenten discipleship with humility and love.
Why choose this liturgy?
- Theologically rich & poetic – Rooted in Reformed theology and infused with poetic language that resonates with the heart.
- Inclusive and expansive – Invites multilingual and ASL proclamations, acknowledges Indigenous land, and embraces diverse expressions of worship.
- Adaptable for any congregation – Whether high-church or informal, this liturgy offers flexibility for different worship styles and traditions.
Bring depth and meaning to your Ash Wednesday service with this thoughtfully curated liturgy — a guide for leading your congregation into the sacred mystery of Lent.
Originally published in 2025
