Today is Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Church’s annual season of Lent – traditionally a time of prayer and preparation. The idea that we are all at prayer with one another, even if from within our own homes, is the way in which we are kept together as the Body of Christ at this particular time.  We pray that we will all walk faithfully with Jesus in these forty days before Easter.

Remember that you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.

There is a centuries-old Christian tradition for Ash Wednesday of being marked on the forehead with ashes in the sign of the cross.   Ashes are an ancient symbol of penitence (recognition of the ways in which our actions and our character can fall short of our ideals, and acknowledgement of our human need for acceptance and love). This year, of course, we are unable to observe this tradition in church,  but you are encouraged to choose one or more of our recommended Lent resources for reflection and prayer.

May the Lord enrich us with his grace,
and nourish us with his blessing;
the Lord defend us in trouble
and keep us from all evil;
the Lord accept our prayers,
and absolve us from our offences,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,  Amen.