For the past several years, I’ve joined the congregation of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Normandy Park, Washington (www.jkpcusa.org) and their Worship and Music Pastor, Brian Moss in marking the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Good friend, Pastor Bryan Burton offers a short meditation prior to the ritual of marking each of our foreheads with a cross from the ashes of the palm leaves used in the previous Sunday’s celebration of Christ’s victorious entry into Jerusalem.
As a reference for you, here is the order of service for this year’s service put together by Brian Moss. . .
Ash Wednesday Selah Service
John Knox Presbyterian Church
February 21, 2007
Prelude – Lacrimosa from the Requiem by Mozart
Brian Moss – Piano
That day of tears and mourning
When from the ashes shall arise
All humanity to be judged
Spare us by your mercy, Lord
Lighting Of The Candles
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer – Music by Jeff Johnson
Come Now, O Prince of Peace – Geonyong Lee
Come now, O Prince of Peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now, O God of Love, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
Come Hope of unity, make us one body..
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
Bless The Lord – Taizé
Bless the Lord my soul, and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul who leads us into life.
When The Night Becomes Dark – Taizé
When the night becomes dark, your love, O Lord, is a fire;
Your love, O Lord, is a fire.
Come And Pray In Us – Taizé
Come and pray in us, Holy Spirit, come and pray in us,
Come and visit us, Holy Spirit, Spirit come, Spirit come.
Alleluia Chant – Jeff Johnson
Alleluia, alleluia
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. And so you are justified when you speak and upright in your judgment. Psalm 51:1-5
Alleluia, alleluia
Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, a sinner from my mother’s womb. For behold, you look for truth deep within me, and will make me understand wisdom secretly. Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed. Make me hear of joy and gladness, that the body you have broken may rejoice. Psalm 51:6-9
Alleluia, alleluia
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. I shall teach your ways to the wicked, and sinners shall return to you. Psalm 51:10-14
Alleluia, alleluia
Deliver me from death, O God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation. Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice; but you take no delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:15-18
Alleluia, alleluia
Behold The Lamb of God – John L. Bell
Behold the Lamb of God, behold the Lamb of God.
He takes away the sin, the sin of the world.
Silent Prayer
Instrumental – Saraband by J.S. Bach
Gwen Franz – Viola
Meditation – Dr. Bryan Burton
Prayer
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
Ashes
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Instrumental – Towards Calvary by Jeff Johnson
Christ Before Me – Jeff Johnson
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I rise.
Christ in my journey,
Christ in my heart.
Christ go before me,
Christ be my shield.
Christ deep within me,
Christ in my heart.
Benediction
