An Ash Wednesday Confession

My heart is heavy with my sin,

weighed down with my disobedience,

full of regret and resentment.

Yet, even now, says the Lord,

return to me with all  your heart,

with fasting, with weeping,

and with mourning;*

The promise of joy in my life

is hidden by the worry of my sin.

I hear rumors of grace,

but do not dare to hope.

Return to the Lord, your God,

for he is gracious and merciful

slow to anger,

and abounding in steadfast love,

and relents from punishing.**

O, God, my God,

may the ashes remind me of your love

may the anointing oil

open my heart to receive your grace.

*Joel 2:12

** Joel 2:13b