Welcome to Sojourn’s worship music set list/liturgy review & recap of our 2018 Ash Wednesday service. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led, but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. And if you’d like to see how we incorporate liturgical art and lead the responsive readings, watch the embedded video of our entire service:
Ash Wednesday 2018 from Sojourn Community Church on Vimeo.
Prelude: From Deep Distress… singable acoustic version
CALL TO WORSHIP
Good morning brothers and sisters and welcome to our Ash Wednesday gathering 🙂
We, as God’s children have much to celebrate, amen?! Life in Christ and all the joy that he brings is reason to rejoice… to fight to keep cynicism at bay… to enjoy life with God under his rule and reign… and while we are no longer slaves to satan, sin, and death, we yet do battle in a world that groans in anticipation of Christ’s return. We are sinners and we are going to die… to perpetually gloss over these realities ironically leaves us vulnerable to the devil’s attacks when we are inevitably confronted with their full force.
To be awakened to to this reality is not to despair, but to repent, and to be comforted, and to turn to God.
…Today marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. The journey begins with an invitation to reflect on our brokenness and our deep need for God. Hear the Psalmist David do just that:
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
Psalm 39:4-7 NLT
Song: Solid Rock
CALL TO CONFESSION
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercies, blot out our transgressions.
Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from our sin.
For we know our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us.
Create in us a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within us. Cast us not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from us.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and uphold us with a willing spirit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Adapted from Psalm 51
Song: Psalm 57
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23
Song: Your Blood Says Everything
HOMILY
IMPOSITION OF THE ASHES
The ashes imposed on our foreheads remind us that we will return to the dust from whence we came… and of our desperate need to be cleansed of our sin, rescued, and healed. As you come forward, be marked and remember your need of God’s grace and that he has marked you as His own with the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us read together:
Father God,
you have created us out of the dust of the earth.
May these ashes remind us of our mortality and frailty
and teach us again that only by your gracious gift
are we given everlasting life through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
You may come forward as you are ready
Song: All My Tears
Song: Power in the Blood/The Blood Will Never Lose its Power
BENEDICTION
Lengthier passage than usual… feel free to close your eyes…
14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. 3 And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest.
-Hebrews 2:14-3:1