When I live streamed a prayer service on Ash Wednesday I was unable to give ashes to those who joined me in prayer on line. So, I adapted the "signing of the senses" as a ritual prayer for beginning the season of Lent, inviting folks to sign themselves or others with them, marking themselves with the Cross of Jesus. We're now half way through this holy season - a good time to review our Ash Wednesday prayer, perhaps to sign ourselves with Cross once again, to renew (or even to begin!) our participation in this holy season.
In baptism, we are claimed by the power of Christ’s Cross.
We now remember Christ’s claim upon us
as we begin our Lenten
journey,
a path that will lead us to
Easter
when, with joy, we will
renew
the promises of our
baptism.
-Receive the sign of the Cross + on your forehead…
It is Jesus himself who
strengthens you
with this sign of his love.
In the season before us,
learn to know him more
deeply
and to follow him more
faithfully.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your eyes…
Day by day this Lent,
may you see the glory of
God all around you.
May you see the face of Jesus
in everyone you know and
meet.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your ears…
Listen for the Lord's voice
in the whisper of the Holy Spirit,
in the scriptures and in
your prayer,
and in the words of your
brothers and sisters…
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your lips…
In these holy 40 days,
may you respond to God’s
Word in prayer.
Speak the name of Jesus with love
and reverence.
May all your speech be true
and charitable
and let no unkind words
pass your lips.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your shoulders…
May you take up your crosses
in this life,
and remember in the days
ahead
that Jesus helps you
carry every cross that is yours.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your over your heart…
When you rise each Lenten
morning
and before you go to bed
each night,
invite the Lord to dwell
more deeply in your heart.
Welcome Jesus into your heart of hearts:
he
has already made his home within you.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your hands…
May Christ may be known in all
you do.
Never lift your hand to harm
or threaten anyone.
May your hands be always ready
to lift up, support and
carry your neighbor.
- Receive the sign of the Cross + on your feet…
Walk always in the footsteps
of Jesus.
May your steps always lead you
closer to Christ.
May you never stray from the
path of his Word.
In the shadow of the Cross of Jesus,
may Almighty God bless you:
+ Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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