Ash Wednesday
Gathering
Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline. If you'd like to participate in communion, please be prepared to do so. Also, be sure to have prepared some ashes for people to receive the symbol of a cross and be prepared to apply them to those who choose to participate.
Service
I. Opening
Welcome and Introduction: As we gather to observe Ash Wednesday, we embrace a tradition that spans centuries, marking the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Opening Prayer: Gracious Lord, as we enter the solemn season of Lent and gather to reflect on the journey of Jesus in the wilderness, we ask for Your Spirit to guide us into deeper understanding and true repentance. Strengthen us in our own trials and temptations, that we may emerge more faithful and committed to Your path. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 (AMP)
Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. 6And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and ‘THEY WILL LIFT YOU UP ON their HANDS, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’”
Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD.’”
Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Then the devil left Him; and angels came and ministered to Him [bringing Him food and serving Him].
Receiving of Ashes: The ashes we receive today are a symbol, a visible reminder of our mortality and humility before God. For many churches the ashes are made from the palms of last year's Palm Sunday, transformed by fire into a sign of our desire to turn back to God with all our hearts. In the wilderness, we do with what we can.
These ashes are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, not as a mark of sorrow to be hidden away, but as a public testament to our commitment to follow Jesus and to remember His sacrifice for us. The cross of ashes serves as a call to repentance and renewal, inviting us to let go of what separates us from God and from one another and to embrace the grace that transforms us.
For those who choose, we offer you the chance to receive the ashes. As you come forward to receive the ashes, let this act be a step on your journey of Lenten observance, a journey that leads from the wilderness of temptation to the joy of Easter morning.
II. Worship and Praise
Let's enter into a time of worship, reflecting on the importance of taking action and responding to God’s call.
Video Link: Steven Curtis Chapman - The Great Adventure - YouTube
Reflection: As this song plays during your Ash Wednesday service, here are a few points for people to reflect on, aligning with the themes of Lent and the spirit of preparation and renewal:
- Embracing the Journey: Reflect on the idea of Lent as the beginning of a great adventure with God. How does the concept of journeying with God through this season inspire you to embrace spiritual disciplines with joy and anticipation?
- Preparation for the Adventure: Consider what preparations of the heart and mind you might need to make to fully engage in this Lenten adventure. What habits or distractions might you need to set aside to be more attuned to God's presence and guidance?
- Trusting the Guide: The song speaks to the thrill of following God into the unknown. Reflect on areas of your life where you may need to exercise greater trust in God as your guide. How can you surrender more fully to His lead this Lent?
- Anticipation of Discovery: Just as every great adventure involves discovery, Lent offers us the opportunity to discover more about God and ourselves. What are you hoping to discover or learn during this Lenten season?
- The Joy of the Journey: Despite its challenges, the song celebrates the joy found in the journey of faith. How can you cultivate a sense of joy and gratitude during Lent, even as you engage in repentance and reflection?
These points of reflection encourage individuals to connect the themes of the song with the spiritual journey of Lent, fostering a deeper engagement with this season of preparation and anticipation for Easter.
III. Communion
Communion symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It's for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Communion is for those who have made the decision to accept Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. There is no pressure from us and the decision is yours alone. If you have not taken this step, we ask that you do not participate in this portion of the service and want you to rest assured that no one will think less of you in any way. You are welcome to observe and be present.
For those that have made that choice, we invite you to take communion as we guide you through preparation, prayer, and reflection.
We will distribute and share the bread and cup at this time (or as is suitable for your gathering).
The account of what we have come to call The Last Supper is told in two places in the Bible:
- Matthew 26:26 (AMP): Now as they were eating Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, He broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body.'
- Mark 14:22 (AMP): While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it, He broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it. This is My body.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the bread now.
The account of The Last Supper continues in both records:
- Matthew 26:27-28 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins.'
- Mark 14:23-24 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup [of wine] and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, 'This is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the cup now.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the New Covenant, for the Blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, and the blessings of The Holy Spirit in our lives.
IV: Beneath the Stars: Finding God's Grace in the Wilderness of Lent
In the vastness of creation the sacred whispers of the divine seem louder and closer. It's in this setting, this intentional stepping away, that we are invited to embark on a spiritual journey known as Lent. Just as the wilderness offers a space stripped of distractions, Lent calls us into a spiritual wilderness, a time to focus solely on our relationship with God.
Solitude and Silence
The wilderness beckons us to embrace solitude. Jesus Himself sought the silence of the desert, a place where He could commune deeply with the Father. This Lent, we are invited to find our own deserts, our own places of solitude. It's in the quiet that we can best hear God's voice, discern His guidance, and reflect on the direction of our lives.
Silence, too, is a spiritual discipline. In the absence of constant noise, we're more apt to hear the subtle movements of the Spirit, guiding, convicting, comforting. Let this season be one where silence becomes a doorway to deeper understanding and connection with God.
Temptation and Resistance
The wilderness, while a place of beauty and solitude, also brings challenges. In Matthew 4:1-11, we read of Jesus' temptation in the desert. Each temptation He faced was met not with argument but with Scripture, a firm reliance on the truth of God's Word. Herein lies our model for resisting temptation: not through our strength but through the power of Scripture and our faith in the One it reveals.This Lent, let us confront our temptations head-on, armed with the Word of God and the example of Christ. It's not merely about denying ourselves certain pleasures but about affirming a deeper truth—the sufficiency and supremacy of God in our lives.
The Grace of Transformation
The wilderness doesn't just test; it transforms. It strips away until we are left with what truly matters. Lent operates in much the same way, inviting us into a process of self-denial that isn't punitive but purifying, making room for grace to do its work within us.
The disciplines of Lent—fasting, prayer, almsgiving—are not ends in themselves but means to an end. They are practices that, when engaged with a sincere heart, draw us closer to God and shape us more into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is the heart of Lent, a grace that reshapes our desires, our actions, and our very lives.
Conclusion: The Journey Forward
As we prepare to step back into the rhythm of our daily lives, let us carry the wilderness with us. Not just as a memory of solitude and silence, but as a reminder of the journey we're on—a journey of continual repentance, reliance on God, and transformation by His grace.
And as we look toward Easter, let the wilderness of Lent remind us of the journey Christ took for us, leading to the ultimate expression of God's grace: the cross and resurrection. Let this Lenten season be a time of meaningful preparation, deep reflection, and spiritual renewal, guided by the light of Christ that shines brightest in the darkness of the wilderness.
Closing Prayer: Lord, as we enter this Lenten season, guide us into the wilderness with open hearts and willing spirits. Grant us the strength to face our temptations, the grace to be transformed, and the joy of drawing closer to You. Lead us through this time of preparation, that we might truly celebrate the resurrection with renewed hearts and lives. Amen.
V: Offering
As we continue in our worship, we have the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Let's bow our heads in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this act of giving. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As we bring our offerings before You today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. May these gifts be used for the furthering of Your Kingdom and the spreading of Your love. Bless each giver abundantly, and may our cheerful giving be a reflection of Your generosity toward us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As we collect the offering, we do want to remind everyone that this part of the service is an opportunity to give but is in no way considered a requirement. We have the special opportunity here at Prepper Church to give all of the offering to a good cause that we choose.
Thank you for your generous hearts and faithful giving. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting the causes that we support. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be cheerful givers. Amen.
VI: Closing
Closing Prayer: Lord, as we conclude our time together, we thank you for the lessons shared and the unity experienced. May the spirit of preparedness stay with us, prompting us to be vigilant in our faith and mindful of the well-being of our community. Amen.
Closing Remarks: In closing, let us carry the spirit of preparedness with us, recognizing that in every challenge, there is an opportunity to grow. May we continue to support and uplift one another, echoing the principles of scouting in our daily lives. Thank you for joining us on this Scout Sunday. Go in peace and be prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Facilitating continued conversation after the Ash Wednesday service can help deepen the communal and individual experience of Lent. Here are some points for discussion that can encourage reflection and sharing among those who have participated in the service:
- Personal Reflections on the Ashes: Share what the receiving of ashes means to you personally. How does this symbol affect your understanding of mortality, repentance, and the journey of Lent?
- Intentions for Lent: Discuss any specific practices or disciplines you plan to undertake during Lent (e.g., fasting, prayer, almsgiving). What do you hope to learn or gain from these practices?
- Overcoming Temptations: Reflect on the Gospel reading of Matthew 4:1-11. How can Jesus' responses to temptation in the wilderness guide us in facing our own temptations during Lent and beyond?
- Finding God in the Wilderness: In what ways do you find solitude and silence helpful for your spiritual growth? Share experiences of encountering God in your "wilderness" times—moments of challenge, solitude, or decision.
- The Role of Community in Lent: How can our church community support each other in our Lenten journeys? Discuss the importance of community in the process of repentance, reflection, and growth.
- Lessons from the Wilderness: Reflecting on the sermon's theme, "Beneath the Stars: Finding God's Grace in the Wilderness of Lent," share a time when you felt particularly close to God during a difficult period. How did that experience shape your faith?
- Preparing for Easter: Lent is a journey toward Easter. What are some ways we can prepare our hearts and minds to fully experience the joy and meaning of Easter Sunday?
These discussion points are designed to prompt meaningful dialogue, allowing participants to explore their Lenten journey's personal and communal aspects more deeply.
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