ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 02, 2022 Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:1–12
Additional Scriptures:
Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Psalm 51:1–17; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21; 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is fitting, therefore, that even as the text calls for repentance, it also looks forward with hope, much as Lent looks toward the renewal of Easter. The promise in Isaiah 58, the people are told, is that is that if they practice righteousness and justice, “your light shall break forth like the dawn” (v. 8), and “your light shall rise in the darkness” (v. 10). This light is interpreted in the New Testament as the light of Jesus Christ, which “shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). [1]
The Lenten season is upon us once again, O Lord God, and we come to You with the sign of ashes, and the sign of what we are and what we have been. With repentant hearts, we come to You, begging You for forgiveness and life. [2]
Almighty God, You have created me out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to me a sign of my mortality and penitence that I may remember that it is only by Your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen [3]
Savior, the season of Lent is upon us. You have directed us to come imploring, crying out in Your Father’s name. As we have experienced the Father’s mercy and love, which You earned for us, may we demonstrate this same mercy with others especially those who do not yet know You for You demand both mercy as well as sacrifice from those who would bear Your name. [4]
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[2] Taken
from the CPH Lenten Series Don’t Be Afraid © 1980 Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis MO
[3]Collect
for Ash Wednesday http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[4]
Collect for Ash Wednesday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
Ash Wednesday Image copyright © Google Images
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