ASH WEDNESDAY - Collaborative Worship Planning & Resources
March 5, 2025 is ASH WEDNESDAY in the Christian church. Every year, around this time, I get a few DMs asking: "Doc (or Unk), whatcha got for Ash Wednesday?" This year, I want to ask in response, "What WE got?" Yeah, I know it's bad English.
I created this Blog entry to be a reservoir where those who have ideas/experience and those who have no clue can convene and converse about helpful worship resources and suggestions to consider as you think about planning appropriate music/worship for this special day. I encourage all ministers of music and worship leaders to do some study and research (Google Searches, AI, consulting denominational website and resources, etc.) to learn the meaning and signifigance of ASH WEDNESDAY before selecting music and/or planning the day for your church. Talk to your pastor/ministerial team to get a sense of their understanding of the day so your music/worship choices align with the context. I want this entry to be a place to offer and receive ideas.
Those of you who have knowledge and expertise planning ASH WEDNESDAY services, share your wisdom. Those that don't know, glean from the resources provided and share them with your pastor and worship team to encourage conversation and responsible planning. I want us making choices that not only speak to the day, but choices that teach and educate our congregations in the process.
I offer these educational resources and musical suggestions for your consideration:
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT ASH WEDNESDAY? WHY DO WE RECOGNIZE IT? HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT IT?
RESOURCES FOR LEARNING and BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION FOR WORSHIP PLANNERS
Revised Common Lectionary Website - Check here for assigned scriptures for the day. Also get information on the liturgical colors, hymns, art work, slides, and other valuable resources to enhance your understanding.
African American Online Lectionary - ASH WEDNESDAY - CULTURAL RESOURCES
Lent Begins: ASH WEDNESDAY by Tyora Moody
"What the Black Church Can Teach Us About Lent" - by Kimberly Deckel
Calvin Institute for Christian Worship - "Why Ash Wednesday?" by Laura Smit - Article
CONGREGATIONAL SONGS/HYMNS:
Give Me a Clean Heart
Just A Closer Walk with Thee
Take My Life and Let It Be
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
I Give Myself Away
Lead Me to Calvary
Thou My Everlasting Portion
I Am Thine, O Lord (especially Stanza 2)
Give Me Jesus
I Surrender All
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
PRAISE TEAM & CHOIR SONGS (Non-Congregational / Presentational)
Create in Me a Clean Heart - As recorded by Donnie McClurkin -
Take My Life (Holiness, Holiness) - As recorded by Micah Stampley -
I Walk With the King - As recorded by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers -
Closer - As recorded by Lamar Campbell and Spirit of Praise -
Follow Me - By Glenn Edward Burleigh (from LET GOD ARISE - Easter Cantata) -
This Is the Air I Breathe (Desperate for You) - As recorded by
VOCAL / INSTRUMETNAL SOLO POSSIBILITIES
Fix Me - As recorded by Queen Latifah -
Walk with Me - As recorded by The Baylor Project -
Give Me Jesus - Arr. Moses Hogan -
He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need
CURATED PLAYLISTS
I AM THINE, O LORD: A LENTEN PLAYLIST (2023)
2023 LENTEN PLAYLIST FOR BLACK MEN
GIVE ME A CLEAN HEART: 50 SONGS FOR THE 40 DAYS OF LENT (2022)
CLOSER: A PLAYLIST FOR THE SEASON OF LENT
NOW, IT'S YOUR TURN! WHATCHA GOT, FRIENDS?
Please add your questions, suggestions, YouTube links, website links, playlists, creative worship ideas for ASH WEDNESDAY , etc. in the comments below.
Comments