A liturgy for a

Virtual Ash Wednesday

If you are unable to attend a service, may this liturgy help you to draw close to God, knowing that God is always drawing closer to you.

Allow yourself time to meditate on each phrase and image as they are offered.

Jesus came ...

and was baptized...

And a voice from heaven saying,

“You are my beloved son,

with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11

And Jesus was driven

by the Holy Spirit

into the wilderness,

where for forty days

he was tempted by Satan,

and angels served him.

Mark 1:12-13

I had heard about you before,

but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

I take back everything I said,

and I sit in dust and ashes

to show my repentance.”

Job 42: 5

“Therefore . . .

confess your sins to one another,

and pray for one another,

so that you may be healed.

The prayer of the righteous

is powerful and effective.”

James 5:16

“If my people who are called by my name

humble themselves, pray, seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways ...

Then I will hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin

and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Assurance of Pardon:

God desires that none should suffer, but all come to wholeness, peace and life.

I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

Know this, your sins are forgiven.

Make the sign of the cross

on your forehead,on your mouth,on your heart,on your hands.

Accept that you are forgiven and loved.

Nothing, absolutely nothing,

can separate us

from the love of God,

brought to us in Jesus,

the Christ of God.

Having been reconciled

To God and one another

Go into your world

To bring reconciliation.

Go in peace.