Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Ash Wednesday – February 18, 2026
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Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, 1549)
Thematic Collect  
Merciful God, turn our hearts toward you and bring us to repentance. Through your great mercy, grant us clean hearts and renew in us a right spirit; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Forgiveness and Repentance
Most Merciful God, by your Spirit make us mindful of our transgressions. Through your Word draw us to repent of our sinfulness and turn our hearts toward you once again. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Then, in your abundant mercy, restore to us the joy of your salvation.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Ash Wednesday
Heavenly Father, through a small smudge of ash remind us that apart from you we are nothing. You are our source and life, our beginning and our end. In your boundless mercy, restore us to wholeness and welcome those who have wandered far from the embrace of your love and seek to return to you.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For the Aging
Most gracious God, even as we are reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return, we cling to your promise to be with us always. Continue to uphold those to whom you have given many years with strength and dignity in your loving care. Abide with them, gracious God, that they might continue to bear witness to your unending presence. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Those Who Mourn
Gracious Lord, we ask that you would comfort all those who mourn [especially the family and friends of …]. Grant to all who are bereaved the comfort and hope that because Jesus Christ has risen, all who die in the Lord will live with you in your everlasting kingdom. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.