Book of Common Prayer (page 264)

Ash Wednesday

On this day, the Celebrant begins the liturgy with the Salutation and
the Collect of the Day.

Let us pray.

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

Old Testament Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, or Isaiah 58:1-12

Psalm 103, or 103:8-14

Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

After the Sermon, all stand, and the Celebrant or Minister appointed
invites the people to the observance of a holy Lent, saying*

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great
devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and
it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a