Ash Wednesday Service

  Our Life Romans 6:5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Grab a candle from the pedestal. Light it from the large candle on the altar then have a seat in a chair, floor, near the altar, or anywhere you feel comfortable and private. Everybody dies. Today we are here; one day we will all be gone. For centuries Christians have paused to consider their own mortality on Ash Wednesday… not to be morbid, but to remind ourselves that we hope in the resurrection. We also do this to be reminded that every day is a gift. Every day is a gift and God is inviting us into the best life with Him. Take a few moments to talk with God about the desires for your life He has placed on your heart. This candle before you represents your life. Watch it burn. Thank God for lighting the fire in your soul and that you will allow Him to do so as long as you are on this earth. Now spend a few moments pondering your own mortality. The day will come that we will all face death. What will your life be committed to during your time here on earth? Will you join Him in the likeness of His resurrection? Until your flame is gone, who will it be dedicated to? The choice is yours. Put your candle at the altar as a sign that as long as your flame is burning, it will be dedicated to Him. Fasting Isaiah 64:8 Yet Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we all are the work of your hands. Take this time to pray about the upcoming Lenten season. A Lenten Fast in when you take something away in your normal life to create a new space of time for God to come in fill. It is a special and unique time to grow in your relationship with Him. When we allow God to come into these spaces, God uses them to mold us into who he desires us to be. Spend this time contemplating what will you take away this season? Maybe the Holy Spirit has already laid on your heart what to fast from, spend this time reflecting about that? What is getting in your way of growing closer to him? How will you be intentional about filling this space with pursuit of Him? Finally, observe the altar in front of you. The baskets in front represent an offering. This time it is not one of monetary, but rather an offering of commitment. What will you commit to giving up to create a space for God? Write it down on your note card and when you are ready, take it to the altar and place your card in the basket to signify the commitment.