Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Ash Wednesday Service
Ash Wednesday services usually take place during the day. However, with the
emphasis on repentance and forgiveness, it may be appropriate to begin Lent with
the Wednesday evening prayer service.
Place the Communion table in the center of the sanctuary if you have movable
chairs. If not, place the table on the rostrum. Cover it with a dark-colored
cloth. Cut clippings from small trees or bushes that would suggest a crown of
thorns and lay them on the table. Arrange small bowls or cups filled with
scented oil near the branches—one cup for every five to ten people.
Welcome and Introductory Remarks Presider
You may want to review the meaning of Lent as defined on page 13 of this
book. Speak with the congregation about why we come together.
It is a time of remembering Jesus’ last week of betrayal, suffering, and
death. To this day our world is still plagued with violence, brokenness, and
acts of darkness. Despair continues to separate us from the hopes we profess
in Christ Jesus. Ash Wednesday begins a time for self-examination. We gather
to recall the scriptural story. But this is also a time to look deeply into
our own lives. In all our humanness, we seek again God’s grace and
forgiveness to restore us to wholeness.
Ask the congregation if anyone has prayer requests.
*Hymn of Reflection: “Forgive Us, Lord” HS 103
This hymn may be sung by the congregation or a soloist. Or it may be
read.
OR “Just as I Am, Without One Plea” HS 119
*Opening Prayer
Include those who have requested prayer.
Scripture Readings
Select three readers.
Reader 1: “Jesus brought them to a garden grove, Gethsemane, and told
them to sit down and wait while he went on ahead to pray. Then he told them,
‘My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to the point of death…stay
here…stay awake with me.’ He went forward a little, and fell face downward
on the ground, and prayed, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup be
taken away from me. But I want your will, not mine.’”
—Matthew 26:36, 38, 39 The Living Bible
Reader 2: “They took two others also, both of them criminals, to be put
to death with Jesus. When they came to the place called “The Skull,” they
nailed Jesus to the cross there, and the two criminals one on his right and
one on his left. Jesus said, ‘Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what
they are doing.’”
—Luke 23:32–34a Today’s English Version
Reader 3: “Jesus said to them, ‘This very night all of you will run away
and leave me,…Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, ‘I will never leave you,
even though all the rest do!’ ‘Remember this!’ Jesus said to Peter. ‘Before
the rooster crows tonight you will say three times that you do not know
me.’”
—Matthew 26:31a, 33, 34 Today’s English Version
Play a tape recording or have a muted voice make the sound of a rooster
crowing.
Prayer Service
Prayers of Petition and Repentance
Select three people in advance and give each one a suggested prayer
theme.
• Pray for our betrayal of self and others.
• Pray for our pride and selfish desires.
• Pray for our failure to forgive others.
Ask for congregational prayers and testimonies after these are given.
Silent Meditation
Litany
Leader: We long for reconciliation within our own lives, that we may be
the bearers of Christ’s sacrificial love. And all the people say…
People: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
Leader: We seek forgiveness for our apathy and short-sighted vision that
limits our witness to others. And all the people say…
People: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
Leader: We are made aware this holy season of the cost of discipleship,
yet we want to share joy and witness of a better life in the places we
occupy. And all the people say…
People: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
Leader: Take from us our thoughts and actions that fail to give
expression to your abundant love.
All: Heal us and restore us to your endless love, that the good
news of the gospel may become our standard.
Hymn: “God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name” HS 382
Closing Ceremony
Ask the congregation to bring Sing for Peace books with them as they
circle the Communion table. Select ahead of time an adult and child/young person
to come to the table. The adult hands the child a small cup/bowl of scented oil.
Invite the congregation to form lines to the table. The child holds the cup
while the adult, using the scented oil, makes the sign of the cross, or a
straight line, on each individual’s hand. (More than one adult/child pair may be
used if needed.) The adult repeats to each person, “May you go forth and witness
to others of the sacrificial love and mercy of Christ Jesus.” When completed,
the congregation can gather around the table and sing.
Hymn: “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing” stanzas 1, 3, 4 SP 31
The Promise Presider
As we go forth, remember the promise given by our savior so long ago. “Lo
I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”
—Matthew 28:20 The Living Bible adapted
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