Ash Wednesday Evening Song and Prayer

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent, a time of repentance and preparation for the great celebration of Easter. Observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season can be a way of restoring the important practices of confession and renewal in the church. The following 40-45 minute service offers an extended time of confession, focusing on what have been called "the seven deadly sins" (in both their active and passive forms).

Ideas for the "visual environment" (ashes marked on the forehead of worshipers), hymn suggestions, order of service, guide to planning are given.