This was the first Ash Wednesday service I had ever been to, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. There seems to be an overall somber feeling surrounding this service. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time we take to cleanse our souls and prepare for the time of Jesus's death and resurrection. Although it isn't the most serious service of the Lenten season, that would be Good Friday, it's still very solemn because we know Jesus is going to die. The liturgical act in this service is the placement of ashen crosses on people's foreheads. The cross retraces our baptism anointing, because when we were baptized, a cross of water was etched on our foreheads. The ashes are to remind us of our sinful ways and unworthiness. Also, it means that we all return to "dust" meaning we all eventually die But it's okay, because we will be born again since Jesus died to save us from our sins. We will live with Him forever until the end of time. There were many songs/hymns played in this service. I think that the one that captured the essence of the service the most was Lord, Make Us Worthy. The song meant to me that everything we have and everything else we might need was given to us by God. The last line of the song is "Lord, make us worthy such blessings to receive" is asking God to help us become ready and truly deserving to be cleansed of sin and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. To me, this is appropriate for this service because the song pretty much describes the point of Ash Wednesday. Other hymns featured in the service was Psalm 51: 1-17, Savior, When in Dust to You, Create in Me a Clean Heart, Lamb of God, and the Communion Hymn: Just As I Am, Without One Place, which was close to the conclusion of the service.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ash Wednesday Service
This was the first Ash Wednesday service I had ever been to, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. There seems to be an overall somber feeling surrounding this service. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the time we take to cleanse our souls and prepare for the time of Jesus's death and resurrection. Although it isn't the most serious service of the Lenten season, that would be Good Friday, it's still very solemn because we know Jesus is going to die. The liturgical act in this service is the placement of ashen crosses on people's foreheads. The cross retraces our baptism anointing, because when we were baptized, a cross of water was etched on our foreheads. The ashes are to remind us of our sinful ways and unworthiness. Also, it means that we all return to "dust" meaning we all eventually die But it's okay, because we will be born again since Jesus died to save us from our sins. We will live with Him forever until the end of time. There were many songs/hymns played in this service. I think that the one that captured the essence of the service the most was Lord, Make Us Worthy. The song meant to me that everything we have and everything else we might need was given to us by God. The last line of the song is "Lord, make us worthy such blessings to receive" is asking God to help us become ready and truly deserving to be cleansed of sin and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. To me, this is appropriate for this service because the song pretty much describes the point of Ash Wednesday. Other hymns featured in the service was Psalm 51: 1-17, Savior, When in Dust to You, Create in Me a Clean Heart, Lamb of God, and the Communion Hymn: Just As I Am, Without One Place, which was close to the conclusion of the service.
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I agree, Melanie - Ash Wednesday worship is quite somber. It reminds us of our human frailty and our dependancy on God. I love the Lenten season as it offers time for quiet reflection, prayer, and those additional worship time that bring us closer to our Loving Lord. Arnie and I have been attending the book study on the novel, "City of Wrong", led by our very own Dr David Grafton. It shares a Muslim perspective on what happen Good Friday. It has given me much to think about and really enriched my Lenten journey. I am happy to share this book with you - think you'd really enjoy it. It is very thought provoking. I also love the hymn, "Lord Make Us Worthy". God alone makes us worthy - a good message for my "Martha" personality - always doing. I bet you can relate to that?! Love you, Melanie. May God bless you on this journey, and always! Livvy
ReplyDeleteOh My! I just looked at this comment and saw a few typo's! Oh well, Melanie - now you know yet another area where I need to learn and grow! Love You! Livvy
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