Dust and ashes mark our sorrow (website only)
- Dust and ashes mark our sorrow,
sin and grief we now confess;
God of mercy, grant forgiveness,
clothe us in your righteousness.
Through the cross of Christ our Saviour,
hope is born and grace made known;
lead us, Lord, through Lenten shadows,
till we see the Easter dawn. - In repentance, hearts are broken,
turned from selfishness and pride;
may your Spirit shape and guide us,
be our comfort, be our guide.
In the silence, in the stillness,
teach us how to walk your way;
strengthen us to serve with justice,
love, and mercy, day by day. - From the dust you formed and shaped us,
breathed in life and made us whole;
yet we wander, lost and restless,
longing for your voice to call.
Mark us, Lord, with true repentance,
turn our wayward hearts to you.
Through the cross and resurrection,
make our broken lives anew.
Words © 2025 Jason McMahon-Riley
Metre: 87.87.D
Suggested tune: Scarlet Ribbons (StF 131), but there are alternatives, including two “bigger” sings, Blaenwern (StF 503) and Finlandia (StF 727).
Ideas for use
This hymn is written for use on Ash Wednesday. Though Alan Luff’s fine hymn God grant us words to speak when words are all we bear (StF 647) is appropriate for this day, no other hymn in Singing the Faith explores the themes of the day itself so directly as this one.
It can be used within the context of a full Ash Wednesday liturgy or as part of a Lenten devotional gathering. Jason writes that “it was written with the Methodist theological emphases of prevenient grace, transformation, and social holiness in mind”.
More information
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season in the Christian calendar. It draws our attention to themes of repentance, mortality, grace, and transformation. The traditional imposition of ashes on the forehead is a visual reminder that: "You are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3: 19).
The three verses move from confession and lament, through inner reflection and renewal by God’s Holy Spirit, to a hopeful trust in God’s redemptive love revealed in Christ’s cross and resurrection. “It is intended to support congregational engagement with the season of Lent, encouraging both personal and communal reflection,” Jason says.
See Beginning Lent – some thoughts about Ash Wednesday
Jason McMahon-Riley is a Methodist minister, currently serving in Nottingham North East Circuit. You can read about his "ordination story". Jason is the Musical Director of the British Methodist Choral Society. Also see his Christ is our Lord (website only)