(In a darkened room, place a candle, or candles, safely near a cross or icon)

 Opening Chant (Taize')

 

English Lyrics:

Within our darkest night,
You kindle the fire that never dies away,
That never dies away

Confession

We admit we are hesitant to walk to Jerusalem and beyond with
you, God of Glory. In a world where we worry about tomorrow
before enjoying today, we race by your moments of silence, of
learning. In that flood of worries, which can overwhelm us, we may
miss that assurance that you have not cut us off from your grace.
In the deserts of our desires, we may ignore that feast of hope, of
joy, of life you offer to us.

Forgive us and have mercy on us, Gentle Guardian of our souls.
In humility, may we offer our lives to others. In love, may we share
your grace with everyone we meet. In hope, may we wait for you
all our days, as you come to us in the life and joy of Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Savior.

(Rev. Thom Shuman; Lectionary Liturgies)

Kyrie (Taize')

 

Collect

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be
tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted
by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of
each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, God, now and for ever. Amen.   (Book of Common Prayer)

Scripture (Hebrews 4:12-16)

The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Psalm Response (Psalm 51; John Michael Talbot)

 

Have mercy, Lord, in Your kindness,
In Your compassion blot out my offences.
O wash me more and more from all of my guilt,
Wash me and cleanse me from all of my sin.
Truly I know then all my offences
My sin is ever before me, O Lord.
Against You alone have I sinned.

Glorify me, then I shall be clean.
Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord, let me hear rejoicing and gladness.
Turn away Your face from all of my sin.
A pure heart create for me, O Lord.
Put a steadfast spirit deep within me,
Nor cast me away from Your presence.

Deprive me not of Your Spirit, O Lord.
O rescue me, God my Helper,
And my tongue shall declare all of Your goodness.
Open my lips, open my lips, O Lord,
And my mouth shall proclaim all of Your praise.

For in sacrifice You take no delight in;
Burnt offerings from me You would refuse.
My sacrifice is a contrite spirit,
My humble heart You will not spurn.
My sacrifice is a contrite spirit,
My humble heart You will not spurn.

Have mercy, Lord, in Your kindness,
In Your compassion blot out my offences.

Optional Reflection (Pope Francis’ Homily for Ash Wednesday 2024)

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024/documents/20240214-omelia-ceneri.html

Intercessions (Taize')

(During the chant, lift up in prayer any personal needs or needs of others)

 Veneration of the Cross (John Michael Talbot)

 

We adore You most holy Lord
Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ
As we gather together in this place
And throughout all the world

We worship You Lord
We adore you Oh Lord
And we bless Your holy name
For by Your cross
You have redeemed us
You have redeemed all the world

We worship You Lord
We adore you Oh Lord
And we bless Your holy name
For by Your cross
You have redeemed us
You have redeemed all the world
For by Your cross
You have redeemed us
You have redeemed all the world

Concluding Prayer

We thank you, Father, for those days in the desert when, through prayer and fasting, 

Jesus discovered your will for his life  and overcame the temptations of the Evil One.

Help us, during these days of Lent,  to come close to you and to listen to your voice.  

Give us strength to overcome the temptations to please ourselves and live life without you.

Teach us your way.  For Jesus’ sake. Amen.   (Church of England; Alternative Service Book)

Closing Chant (John Michael Talbot)