Reader :

Today we begin a very special season in the Church called Lent. Lent is a time to pause, to listen, and to turn our hearts back to God. For the next forty days, we will try to live more like Jesus – by being kinder, more forgiving, and more thoughtful in the choices we make each day. Today, we will receive ashes on our foreheads. The ashes remind us that:

• God loves us,
• we sometimes make mistakes,
• and God is always ready to forgive and help us begin again.

As we begin this Lenten journey together, let us open our hearts, quiet our minds, and invite God to walk with us.

(Brief silence)

Reader :

God of love, you call us by name.

All :

We are here, God.

Reader :

When we are busy …

All :

Help us slow down.

Reader :

When we make mistakes …

All :

Help us begin again.

Reader :

When our hearts are heavy …

All :

Fill us with your love.

Reader :

Let us open our hearts to God.

All :

We are ready to listen. Amen.

Reader :

There is also this, it’s not too late – God’s personal message! – “Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. God takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love.

(Pause) The Word of the Lord.

All :

Thanks be to God.

Reader :

Jesus said, “When you do good things, don’t do them to show off. Do them because you love God.

When you pray, talk quietly to God in your heart. God hears you, even when no one else does.

When you give or help others, don’t look for praise. God sees your kindness.

When you make sacrifices or give things up, don’t complain or try to get attention.

Do these things with a happy and loving heart. God sees what is done in secret, and God is always pleased with you.”

(Pause)           

The Gospel of the Lord.

All :

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Leader :

As we prepare our hearts, let us think honestly about how we live and love. (Pause) When I am unkind with my words …

All :

I’m sorry, God. Help me love.

Leader :

When I don’t listen to my parents or teachers …

All :

I’m sorry, God. Help me choose well.

Leader :

When I leave someone out or ignore them …

All :

I’m sorry, God. Help me care.

Leader :

When I think only about myself …

All :

I’m sorry, God. Help me share.

Leader :

God of mercy, you never stop loving us.

All :

Thank you for forgiving us. Amen.

(Pause)

Reader :

During Lent, God invites us to take a closer look at how we live each day. God asks us to notice the times we could have been kinder, more helpful, or more encouraging to others.

Let us take a quiet moment to think about the times we missed a chance to say something kind, include someone, or help bring hope to another person. We ask Jesus to guide us and help us open our hearts, so we can be a light of hope and love for everyone we meet.

All :

For the times I have not loved you, I am sorry. For the times I have not loved others, I am sorry. For the times I have not been kind to myself, I am sorry. For the times I have not been kind to others, I am sorry.

Please forgive us, God. Open our hearts, fill us with your peace, and help us choose love. Amen.

Leader :

Let us show God’s peace to each other by smiling, waving, or quietly saying, “Peace be with you.”

Leader :

These ashes are a sign that we all make mistakes and that God always invites us to begin again. May everyone who receives these ashes remember they are loved, forgiven, and never alone. As we journey through Lent may we choose kindness, share hope, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

Leader :

May these ashes remind us that God loves us.

All :

God loves us always.

Leader :

May these ashes help us choose kindness and forgive others.

All :

Help us choose love.

Leader :

As we walk through Lent, may we be people of hope.

All :

We will share hope. Amen.

Leader :

Go now and begin Lent with open hearts.

All :

We will choose love.

Leader :

Go in peace.

All :

Thanks be to God.