Ash Wednesday is a day when we can reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. When we can turn away for all that hurts us and others and turn towards all that gives life and love.
Lent
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
who hatest nothing that thou hast made,
and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we worthily lamenting our sins,
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Confession
God of mercy,
we acknowledge that we are all sinners.
We turn from the wrong that we have thought
and said and done,
and are mindful of all that we have failed to do.
For the sake of Jesus, who died for us,
forgive us for all that is past,
and help us to live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Absolution/forgiveness
May the Father of all mercies
cleanse us from our sins,
and restore us in his image
to the praise and glory of his name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer
Holy God,
our lives are laid open before you:
rescue us from the chaos of sin
and through the death of your Son
bring us healing and make us whole
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Confession
Holy God, Sometimes our lives are a mess,
because of choices we have made
or because of choices others have made.
Sometimes our lives are great, and we’re kind and generous.
Sometimes our lives are great and we forget to be to grateful and humble.
We trust that in the jumble of all of this, you are present.
We trust that you are with us, walking with us when we stray,
nudging us back to the right path, slowing us down when we get ahead of you,
and waiting for us when we lag behind. So we thank you, and ask for your forgiveness,
and pray that you will stay with us throughout the journey.
Amen.
Absolution/forgiveness
May the God of love
bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins,
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
This Lent we are encouraged to wait expectantly for God to meet us and sustain us through the storms and trials we all face.
The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2025 is Living Hope. Find out more here.