Ash Wed – Song Choices
The Psalm that we usually use on Ash Wednesday is Psalm 51. This is a great penetential Psalm. Everytime I read it, I am amazed by how familiar I am with certain parts of it, because we use it in our liturgies all the time. There’s a nice contemporary song based on this Psalm; it’s “Change My Heart, Oh God” by Eddie Espinosa and its in both the LAPPY and BOB songbooks (songs 38 and 33 respectively).
The message is short and simple, yet voices a beautiful prayer:
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
CCLI Song No. 1565
© 1982 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
Eddie Espinosa
The song uses two sections of scripture, combined together into a prayer, asking God to change our lives. I emphasize the point that music does not change our lives – the Holy Spirit does.
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. – Isa 64:8
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Ps 51:10
The song is “congregational friendly” and is easily learned.
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Worship Ideas You Can Use 