Looks like none of these folks above got ashes
- and you know what?
God loves them just as much
as he loves those who did.
And you know what else?
It's never to late to start Lent!
Back in the pandemic days (when I couldn't live stream ashes!) I adapted the signing of the senses for prayer Ash Wednesday - inviting folks to sign themselves (or others with them) at home, marking themselves not with ashes, but with the Cross of Jesus.
If you DIDN'T receive ashes yesterday,
consider using this signing prayer
to begin your Lenten season...
If you DID receive ashes yesterday,
consider using this signing prayer
to deepen your Lenten commitment...
A hint: don't just pray the words.
As we begin our Lenten journey, Lord,
we claim the power of your Cross
by which you have claimed and saved us...
-Receive the sign of the Cross + on your forehead…
It's Jesus himself who
strengthens us
with this sign of his love.
In the 40 days ahead
may we learn to know him more
deeply
and follow him more
faithfully.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your eyes…
Day by day this Lent,
may we see the glory of
God all around us.
May we see the face of Jesus
in everyone we know and
meet.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your ears…
Let us listen for the Lord's voice
in the whisper of the Holy Spirit,
in the scriptures and in prayer,
and in the words of our
brothers and sisters…
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your lips…
In these holy 40 days,
may we respond to God’s
Word in prayer.
May we speak the name of Jesus with love
and reverence.
May all our speech be charitable and true
and may no unkind words
pass our lips.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your shoulders…
May we take up our crosses
in life,
and offer to help bear our neighbor's cross
as the Lord helps us carry ours.
- Receive the sign of the Cross + over your heart…
When we rise each morning this Lent,
as we go to bed each night,
may we invite the Lord to makes his home
in our hearts where he already lives.
- Receive the sign of the Cross +
on your hands…
May Christ may be known in all we do.
May we never lift a hand to threaten or harm.
May our hands be always open and ready
to lift up and
carry our neighbor.
- Receive the sign of the Cross + on your feet…
May we always walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
May our steps always lead us
closer to Christ.
May we never stray from the
path of his Word.
May his Cross be our pardon and peace.
In the shadow of the Cross,
may Almighty God bless us:
+ Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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