A Prayer for Ash Wednesday | Prayer at the start of the Holy season of Lent | Ash Wednesday Prayer

Almighty and Merciful God,
Ash Wednesday marks the first day
of the Holy season of Lent.
Today begins a period
of inner reflection and examination.
Watch over us with tender love,
as we celebrate Ash Wednesday today.
We sign with a cross -
with ashes on our foreheads
to remind us
that there is a part of ourselves
that is of this earth,
and that one day
we will return to dust.
Be with us, Lord
and look upon us
as we begin this Holy season of 40 days,
bearing the mark of ashes,
and bless our journey,
through the desert of Lent.
Gracious Lord,
as we enter this solemn and Holy season,
we pray that You would send
Your Holy Spirit upon us,
that we might prepare ourselves
for these 40 days of Lent.
Let this Holy Lenten season
be a time of reflection of ourselves
and a time of renewal of our faith in You.
By self examination,
prayer and fasting, allow us
to repent for the sins we have committed.
Help us to be aware
of the needs of others
and of our church.
Grant that these ashes,
remind us of our own mortality
and the realisation
that only through You
can we receive everlasting life.
You humbled yourself
and gave your life for us
on the cross, Lord Jesus,
that we might receive
the gift of Eternal glory.
Help us to also humble ourselves
so that we can understand
the magnificence of Your love for us.
Let these weeks leading upto Good Friday,
and the glory of Your resurrection,
show us how much you have suffered for us
and how much You love us.
Help us, by your Holy Spirit,
to feel right conviction
and repentance for our sins.
Help us to let go
of all acts of wickedness,
false attachments,
pride, greed and anger.
We need you, Loving Father.
We need your cleansing,
your forgiveness.
We need your presence and your love.
We need your mercy and compassion.
Loving God,
during this sacred season of Lent,
bring us closer to You.
Prepare a place
in our home and heart
for silence and solitude,
so that we may rediscover