Ash Wednesday Service 2021
Theme - Preparing Ourselves to Dance: My heart celebrates
Prayer of Preparation
Genesis 1:3-5 Common English Bible Translation
God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. God named the light Day and the darkness Night. There was evening and there was morning: the first day.
Genesis 2:7-8
The Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life. The Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east and put there the human he had formed.
Job 42:2-6
I know you can do anything; no plan of yours can be opposed successfully. You said, “Who is this darkening counsel without knowledge?” I have indeed spoken about things I didn’t understand, wonders beyond my comprehension. You said, “Listen and I will speak; I will question you and you will inform me.” My ears had heard about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I relent and find comfort on dust and ashes.
Prayer for Moving Forward
Psalm 139:7-12
Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too! If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean – even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight! If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me; the light will become night around me,” even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you! Nighttime would shine bright as day, because darkness is the same as light to you!
John 1:3-5; 8:12
Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Psalm 16:8-11
I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side. That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit. You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.
Symbol of Ashes & Life
The rocks this evening are the color of ashes but notice the words imprinted them. As we take a rock this evening let us hold onto it, meditate upon the word we receive and commit to experiencing that word during Lent.
Prayer for Possibilities and the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Blessing
Song List
There Is a Balm in Gilead – 792 GTG
Precious Lord, Take My Hand – 834 GTG
I Danced in the Morning – 157 GTG
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light – 377 GTG
Come! Live in the Light! – 749 GTG
Goodness is Stronger than Evil – 750 GTG
Light Dawns on a Weary World – 79 GTG
Be Thou My Vision – 450 GTG
Questions for Discussion
What are the things you want to change in your life that you have control over?
What are the things that you need to let go of from this past year?
What have you come to value over this year?
What things do you hope to take with you from 2020?
How have you experienced God in the last year?
How do you want to experience God in 2021?
Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond
Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God
-Being open about struggles
-Talking to God about those we love
-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom
Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.
-Asking questions, noting new insights
-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians
Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive
-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…
Checking in with different people every day
-Focusing on cultivating connections
Meditation – Silence
-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent