They may forgo something like chocolate, ice cream, television, a form of social media or something else entirely. For others, they forgo some sort of pleasure or distraction. During Lent, for forty days, many Christians determine to fast in some way, shape or fashion. Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the period in the Christian calendar referred to as Lent. Now, I could give a detailed argument about why it’s appropriate for Baptists to do so and encourage those who are reluctant to nevertheless engage in the traditional practice of preparation for Easter, but that argument has been made by numerous others much more convincingly than I could deliver it here. For me, this year at least, it was not an issue. Nevertheless, there has been a growing movement among Baptists, particularly of the younger generations, to re-engage with the practice of Lent. Baptists, not being very keen on liturgy, have tended to avoid such things as Lent and most holy days (Passion Week and Christmas excepting). This brings up the issue of whether or not to celebrate Lent. I am a Southern Baptist, as I’ve noted here in this blog, who is part of an Anglican congregation while I’m in London. People: Keep us in your faithful arms until you return to judge the living and the dead.Ashes are placed on the forehead as a sign of humility and mortality A Reflection: Death and Creation Remind us of our baptism, where we turned from death to life. Leader: As we prepare to receive ashes this day, remind us that we only have one life to live. Leader: Even though we have been bought with the blood of Christ, we often turn away from you and towards our own wicked desires. Leader: As we enter into this season of Lent, we remember the words of your servant Paul, who said, “the wages of sin are death.” (Rom.6:23) Gather us in and grant to us receptive hearts and minds, O God.Īnn Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituaity Centre Jesus remained open to the Spirit all the way, so as we gather to hear the familiar stories of Lent and Easter, may we be willing to hear them address us in new ways, Knowing that Jesus would have begun this journey with human fears and apprehensions, we find the freedom to admit that we are not always courageous. Gather us in, and invite us to venture out, O God. Jesus began a brave new journey may we be willing to embrace new paths and new ways. Leaving the security of home, family and daily work On this day we come from many different suburbs -to remember his story, to offer our worship and to give witness to our faith. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John. Lord of all, we submit ourselves to your merciful care this day.

People: Restore unto us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Leader: Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. People: Create in us a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us.

Leader: Let us hear joy and gladness let the bones you have crushed rejoice. People: Cleanse us with hyssop, and we will be clean, wash us, and we will be whiter than snow. Leader: Against you, you only, have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight People: Wash away all our transgressions, and our sin is always before us. Leader: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Leader: for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. People: Rend your heart and not your garments.

Leader: Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.

From dust you came ash wednesday