Please take time to find a moment of peace and prayer together as a family this Ash Wednesday. Maybe make a prayerful place in your house with a candle and gather to pray and to distribute and receive Ashes as a sign of your intent to turn once again toward God in prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this Holy Season of Lent.
Choose someone from your family to read the scripture passages aloud and pray the prayers together. Whichever way works for your family is fine. After the final hymn go outside together to dispose of the remainder of your ashes near the foundation of your house.
(Click here for a printable version: Ash Wednesday At Home – For Teens and Their Families)
Opening Song: Kyrie Eleison
(click on the picture to play)
First Reading: Joel 2:12-13
Reader: A reading from the book of the prophet Joel
Yet even now, says the Lord,
Return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
And tear your hearts, and not your garments,
Return to the Lord, your God.
For he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Song: Here’s My Heart Lord
(click on the picture to play)
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:5-6
Reader: When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
The Gospel of the Lord
All: Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
Time for Reflection and Prayer
During this Holy Season of Lent we are asked to refocus on our relationship with the Lord;
We are invited to turn back to Him by renewing our prayer life.
We are invited to look into our hearts to examine the places of hardness where we most need to let Him in.
We are invited to look outwards towards needs we see around us, in our families, in the circles we move in, as well as in the wider world and make positive action to bring God’s healing grace and love to all.
Take a few moments of silence to think about your plan for this Lent, and ask Jesus to accompany you on your journey.
Prayers of the Faithful
Reader: For our Lenten journey beginning today, that we may be steadfast as we seek Christ Jesus in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord Hear Our Prayer
Reader: That we have ears which are open and attentive to hear the subtle voice of Jesus calling us into integrity and peace.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord Hear Our Prayer
Reader: For those places in our hearts where we hold on to hurt, fear and unkindness, that we may seek the grace of God’s forgiveness.
We pray to the Lord
All: Lord Hear Our Prayer
Reader: That we may work diligently for justice in our communities, that we care for all, especially those who are marginalized and forgotten.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord Hear Our Prayer
Distribution of Ashes
Sign yourself, or your family members, with the ashes in the sign of the cross on the forehead saying:
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Closing Song: O Praise The Name (Anástasis)
(click on the picture to play)
Reverent Disposal of Ashes and Closing Prayer
While you place the ashes outside, near the foundation of your home, close with the following prayer:
God our Father, You formed us from the dust of the Earth. You brought us to new life by the work of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we journey through these forty days of Lent, help us to see Jesus in everyone we meet. Help us to serve Him in all persons, especially the poor, sick, and lonely. By Your grace, may our prayers and sacrifices this Lent help us grow closer to You and to Your one family in Jesus. Bless this home, make it a vessel of Your love and peace.