Ash Wednesday, Lectio Divina, & Anglican Rosary

Ash Wednesday is the solemn holy day that begins our time of reflection and yearning to be closer to our Savior. His life, love, and sacrifice for us calls to our hearts and minds, but more so to our very being. For many, this is when they begin to fast from something, giving up what they desire to spend time in the presence of the Father. Many forget that this longing resides in us continuously as the Holy Spirit transforms us daily. As we begin to walk in this time of repentance, let us take a moment to prepare our hearts for the journey. Join us as we both reflect on Scripture and pray this Ash Wednesday set of prayers utilizing the Anglican Rosary (also known as prayer beads.) * If you do not own a set of prayer beads, feel free to pray along without them.

Begin by kneeling or sitting in a peaceful space. Allow yourself to take deep breaths, quietening your mind and focusing on God’s transformative power. Feel His love, His presence, and His peace.

1. Make the sign of the cross while saying,

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. The Invitatory bead (first large bead just above the cross), pray a Confession of Sin.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

3. First Cruciform bead (second large bead above the cross), pray an Ash Wednesday collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made,

and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and

make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting

our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of

you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

4. Prior to praying through the first set of Week beads, pause and reflect on Scripture reminding us of our Father’s love and our fragile earthly state (Psalm 103:13-14)…

“As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” When your heart is ready, continue to pray on each of the seven beads. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy Upon Me.

5. Second Cruciform bead, we pray.

Lord, You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts,

and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast;

that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy,

and renewed by your Word and Sacraments,

they may come to the fullness of grace

which you have prepared for those who love you. Amen

6. Prior to praying through the second set of Week beads, pause and reflect on Scripture reminding us to turn to the Father (Daniel 9:3)…

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God,

seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy

with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” When your heart is ready, continue to pray on each of the seven beads. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy Upon Me.

7. Third Cruciform bead, we pray.

Merciful God, you called us forth from the dust of the earth;

you claimed us for Christ in the waters of baptism.

Look upon us as we enter these Forty Days bearing the mark of ashes,

and bless the journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth.

As we remember our mortality and seek penitence today,

we know you to be a God who is rich in forgiveness and abounding in steadfast love,

love that culminates in eternal life with you.

Guide our steps this Lent, so that we might find greater fulfillment in your promises

and better serve others with a heart that’s reflective of you. Amen.

8. Prior to praying through the third set of Week beads, pause and reflect on Scripture reminding us to remember who God has called us to be (2 Corinthians 5:20)…

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ,

God making his appeal through us.

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” When your heart is ready, continue to pray on each of the seven beads. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy Upon Me.

9. Fourth Cruciform bead, we pray.

God our Father,

Your will is that everyone be save and no one be lost.

You draw us to yourself by prayer and penance.

Grant that we may so follow Christ in love

That our lives may help others and our weakness never hinder them.

We make this prayer in His name, Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. Amen.

10. Prior to praying through the final and fourth set of Week beads, pause and reflect on Scripture reminding us how to pray and fast (Matthew 6:1-6)…

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them,

for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you,

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.

Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.

For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners,

that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you pray, go into your room

and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” When your heart is ready, continue to pray on each of the seven beads. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy Upon Me.

11. Returning to the Invitatory bead, we pray.

O my God, I am so sorry for all my sin

Because they offend you who are so good

And with your help I will not sin again. Amen.

12. Returning to the cross, we pray.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your Name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil. Amen.

As we end this time, we again take a moment to take a few deep breaths and we sit in the presence of the Father, listening to anything He may wish to teach us, then we pray...

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. His mercy endures for ever. Amen.

* Written by Sister Shawna Osborn, SH