BLESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES

Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly ask God our Father

that he be pleased to bless with the abundance of his grace

these ashes, which we will put on our heads in penitence.

O God, who desire not the death of sinners,

but their conversion,

mercifully hear our prayers

and in your kindness be pleased to bless these ashes,

which we intend to receive upon our heads,

that we, who acknowledge we are but ashes

and shall return to dust,

may, through a steadfast observance of Lent,

gain pardon for sins and newness of life

after the likeness of your Risen Son.

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

PSALM 51

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

“Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offense.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;

my sin is always before me

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence

and be without reproach when you judge,

O see, in guilt I was born,

a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;

then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;

O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,

that the bones you have crushed may thrill.

From my sins turn away your face

and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervor sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you….”