Ash Wednesday
How To Prepare For Ash Wednesday
The ashes for Ash Wednesday are an important symbol of our penitence as we enter the season of Lent. Traditionally, the ashes are to be made from the dried palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday procession. But, like so many symbols, the importance is not the item itself, but remembering what it is that it represents.
Ashes, in the Bible, are used to signify mourning or repentance. When we take part in the imposition of ashes each year, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and repent of our sin. What is important is the condition of our hearts, not the symbols we use to represent them.
How To Take Part In The Imposition of Ashes From Home
An important first step is to understand that you do not need physical ashes in order to be part of the ceremony. Whether stepping through the process alongside our pastors while joining one of our online services, or holding your own private observance by yourself or with family, you can use a number of things as replacement for palm ashes.
The one most commonly used is oil. You may have something ideal for the ceremony – perhaps some palm oil or anointing oil – but olive oil from your kitchen will do just as well. If you have ashes, you can mix those into the oil, or use the oil as is.
If you chose to use ashes, it isn’t necessary to find palm fronds to burn – just be aware of what kind of ashes you are using, and make certain there isn’t anything in them that will react badly with the skin. For safety, mix the ashes with oil before use. Do not mix the ashes with water. A mixture of water and ash on skin can often lead to irritation and burns. Click here for more specific instructions.
While the ashes you use can be from anything, you may want to take this opportunity to make the ceremony more meaningful. You can create an Ash Wednesday Backyard Fire, and write down some confessions from the past year before burning them in the fire. The ashes from the fire will take on more meaning as a result.
You also don’t have to burn your own to acquire ashes. Palm ashes are available at a number of local stores, and can be found online at numerous retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. Search the web to find out what might be near you.
What To Say During The Imposition of Ashes
Throughout the day, we will be offering services that will include a moment for the imposition of ashes. You can join us wherever you are via Facebook, YouTube, or on this website.
If you would like to hold a more private ceremony in your home, the Discipleship of the United Methodist Church has prepared a service for Ash Wednesday including all of the liturgy spoken throughout. You can click the link to follow the whole thing, but the most pertinent prayers are below:
Thanksgiving Over The Ashes
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth.
Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence,
so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift
are we given everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Imposition of Ashes
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Repent, and believe the gospel.
Conclusion
Whatever you chose to do, remember that this is simply the first step in Lent – a long journey we spend together preparing our hearts for Easter. We look forward to walking that journey with you.