Ash Wednesday Litany & Prayers

Join Pastor Emily in a brief time of prayer on this Ash Wednesday as we begin our journey through the season of Lent. 

Litany & Prayers from The Africana Worship Book
(https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/DR490/the-africana-worship-book-year-a.aspx)

Litany & Prayers for Ash Wednesday
Prayer of Confession (based on Psalm 51)
[This prayer is crafted for a partner or group setting and can be prayed individually as well.]

ALL: Have mercy upon us, O God. Our sins are always before us. We have sinned against you only, O God! You know the evil within each of us.
Partner A: Sin took control whenever “I” became more important than you.
Partner B: When you offered truth, I refused it and opened the door that leads to death.
ALL: Have mercy upon us, O God.
Partner A: In word or deed I have sinned by neglecting your teachings and requirements.
Partner B: I was born into sin, but do not wish to remain there forever. Only you, God, can recreate a clean heart in me.
ALL: Blot out our transgressions and cleanse us from all unworthiness.
Partner A: Lead me on the path of righteousness.
Partner B: Fill me with your eternal Spirit and never leave me alone.
​ALL: Thank you for cleansing us. Thank you for erasing my sin from your memory. As we minister to the world, deliver us from guilt and shame. Let the world hear us sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. Free us to shout Hallelujah as our shattered spirits receive new life. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation. Amen! Amen! Amen!