Lent and Ash Wednesday

Lent consists of the 40 days, not including Sundays, between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Each day of Lent symbolizes one of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness prior to his ministry. The observance of Ash Wednesday includes a time of worship and the imposition of ashes upon foreheads. This tradition is derived from the biblical practice of putting ashes on one’s head or forehead to symbolize the acknowledgment of one’s own mortality (Genesis 3:19b), the repentance of sin (Job 42:1-6), and intercession for others (Daniel 9:2-3; Esther 14:1-3). The ashes further signify our renewed commitment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29-30).