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.
About the author
Anne Apple has been an ordained PC(USA) minister for over 20 years and has served congregations in Mobile, Alabama, Memphis, Tennessee, and Tallahassee, Florida.
