Ash Donning Prayer

• The ash donning prayer is the prayer that is said while ashes are being spread upon your forehead. This prayer is meant to ask for forgiveness for sins and recognizes the pain that Christ went through to have those sins forgiven.
  
  Jesus, you place on my forehead
  
  the sign of my sister Death:
  
  Remember you are dust,
  
  and to dust you shall return.
  
  How not hear her wise advice?
  
  One day my life on earth will end;
  
  the limits on my years are set,
  
  though I know not the day or hour.
  
  Shall I be ready to go to meet you?
  
  Let this holy season be a time of grace
  
  for me and all this world.
  
  Teach us to number our days aright,
  
  that we may gain wisdom of heart.
  
  Amen.
  
  

Opening Prayer

• This prayer is said before anything else during an Ash Wednesday service. It is meant to give strength, willpower and protection to those participating in Lent.
  
  Father in Heaven,
  
  Protect us in our struggle against evil.
  
  As we begin the discipline of Lent,
  
  make this season holy by our self-denial.
  
  Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ
  
  who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
  
  one God, forever and ever.
  
  Amen.
  
  

Prayer of Contrition

• This prayer is said once all of the attendees have received their ash markings. It is a prayer of contrition and forgiveness, as well as one of sorrow for sins committed.
  
  Merciful Father
  
  I am guilty of sin
  
  I confess my sins before you
  
  and I am sorry for them.
  
  Your promises are just;
  
  therefore, I trust that you will forgive my sins
  
  and cleanse me from every stain of sin.
  
  Jesus himself is the propitiation
  
  for my sins and the sin of the whole world.
  
  I put my hope in his atonement.
  
  May my sins be forgiven through His name
  
  and in His blood may my soul be made clean.
  
  Amen.
  
  

Angelic Ash Wednesday Collect

• This prayer is said at the end of the Ash Wednesday service. It is a prayer asking for strength and protection during Lent, as well as understanding and patience.
  
  Almighty and everlasting God,
  
  you hate nothing you have made
  
  and forgive the sins of all who are penitent:
  
  Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
  
  that we, worthily lamenting our sins
  
  and acknowledging our wretchedness,
  
  may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,
  
  perfect remission and forgiveness;
  
  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
  
  with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.