Ash Wednesday Prayer
Prayers for Ash Wednesday — the beginning of Lent, a day of fasting and prayer, reflecting on our mortality and dependence on God's mercy.
The Ash Wednesday Prayer marks the beginning of Lent, a day of fasting and prayer where ashes remind us of our mortality and dependence on God's mercy. The prayers help you receive the ashes with sincerity, turning back to the Lord with your whole heart. They are suitable for the morning, for the Mass and for the evening, when you begin your Lenten resolutions. Keep them simple. The ashes are made from the previous year's palms and are marked on the forehead with words such as Remember that you are dust, or Repent and believe in the Gospel. The day is one of fasting and abstinence for adults. Keep the mood sober, but hopeful, because Lent leads to Easter.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayAsh Wednesday Prayer
Prayer for Ash Wednesday:
Lord God, today the Church marks our foreheads with ashes, and we hear the words: 'Remember, man, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' We stand before You in humility, acknowledging that our lives are fragile and brief, that we have sinned, and that we need Your mercy.
Yet these ashes are also a sign of hope, for You did not leave us in our sinfulness but sent Your Son to redeem us. From dust You created us; by Your Spirit You breathe life into us; and by Your grace You will raise us to new life.
And yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.
As I begin this holy season of Lent, grant me a spirit of genuine repentance. Help me to fast from what draws me away from You, to pray with greater depth, and to give alms with a generous heart. Let this Lent be a true interior conversion, so that at Easter I may rejoice in the newness of life Your Son has won for me.
Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in Your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. Amen. (Psalm 51)
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Ash Wednesday Prayer?
Pray them on Ash Wednesday morning, at Mass and in the evening.
How do I pray the Ash Wednesday Prayer?
Read them slowly, and name your Lenten resolution.
Who is the Ash Wednesday Prayer for?
All Catholics, catechumens and families beginning Lent.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play