Today Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season in the Christian Church. Repentance, sorrow for sin and humility are central to the observance of this special day. I cannot recall this ceremony being observed in The Salvation Army.
Ashes are imposed upon the foreheads of the participants as a reminder of our mortality, sinfulness and need for repentance and forgiveness. The Bible speaks about repenting in 'dust and ashes.' During the ceremony this verse is quoted, "You are dust and dust you shall return." Genesis 3: 19.
Let us begin this Lent season with some soul searching.
"Almighty and Everlasting God,
You hate nothing that You have made.
and forgive the sins of those who are penitent.
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness.
we may receive from You, the God of all mercy,
perfect forgiveness and peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Thomas Cranmer -1489-1556. Collect for Lent
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