18

February 2026

Feb

A Clean Heart

Renewed in Mercy

Ash Wednesday, Year A

Though Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey, we must remember that all long journeys begin not with the first step or rolling down the road, but with preparation.

The season of Lent is a time to journey inward and to focus on self-examination. Often, this is done through the practice of the disciplines of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. However, this series helps us move in two directions – looking inward and moving outward. We are learning to live inside out.

Following are some hymns, songs, and anthems suited for this series and the biblical texts selected.

Abbreviations:

  • TFWS: The Faith We Sing
  • UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal
  • W&S: Worship and Song

Hymns or Service Music for the series:

  • Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah UMH 127
  • Take Time to Be Holy UMH 395
  • Come and Find the Quiet Center TFWS 2128
  • Change My Heart, O God TFWS 2152
  • Open My Eyes UMH 454
  • Holy Ground TFWS 2272

Ash Wednesday, Year A

  • Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes TFWS 2138
  • Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days UMH 269
  • Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service UMH 581
  • Fix Me, Jesus UMH 655
  • Give Me a Clean Heart TFWS 2133
  • Open My Eyes UMH 454

In This Series...


Ash Wednesday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes First Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes

Colors


  • Purple

In This Series...


Ash Wednesday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes First Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes