Morning Prayer for Ash Wednesday – Psalm 51:10–12
Introduction
Ash Wednesday invites us into a season of reflection and renewal. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time to turn our hearts back to God and remember our need for grace. The words of Psalm 51 shape the prayer of this day: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Morning prayer on Ash Wednesday begins with humility and hope—the kind that trusts God to restore what sin has worn thin.
This prayer is for anyone beginning the Lenten journey, for those seeking forgiveness, and for those longing for a fresh start. Take a quiet moment to pray before the day begins and remember: God’s mercy is already reaching toward you.
Scripture
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
— Psalm 51:10–12 (NRSV)
Reflection
Ash Wednesday reminds us of both our fragility and our belonging. The ashes placed on our foreheads are not symbols of shame but of truth—we are dust, and yet deeply loved dust. The God who formed us from the earth continues to shape our hearts by grace.
Morning prayer today is not about saying the right words but about returning. Returning to God’s mercy, to the quiet awareness that we depend on His love for every breath. Lent begins not with self-improvement but with surrender, a letting go of everything that keeps us from God’s presence.
Before the busyness of this day begins, breathe and remember: God’s compassion is new every morning.
A Morning Prayer for Ash Wednesday
Merciful God, I come before you with a humble heart. {pause}
Create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit. {pause}
Forgive what I have done wrong and restore your joy within me. {pause}
Help me to walk through this season with honesty and grace. {pause}
Let this Lent draw me closer to you. Amen. {pause}
A Prayer for Kids and Grandkids
Dear God, thank you for loving me even when I make mistakes. {pause}
Help me to do what’s right and to be kind to others. {pause}
Make my heart clean and full of love. {pause}
Thank you for being with me every day. Amen. {pause}
