Live in the rhythm of the Church Year.

Introit

Psalm 57:1–3a (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab), c

Antiphon

Wisdom 11:24–26

Gradual

Psalm 57:1a, 3a (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Verse

Psalm 103:10 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab); 79:8a, 9a (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Source: LCMS One-Year Series Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.

Historical Collect — Ash Wednesday

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book (Baltimore, 1893), Introits and Collects for the Church Year (opens in a new tab). Public-domain text (published 1893), transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of the Princeton Theological Seminary Library copy.

Prayers of the Church for February 18, 2026 — Responsive Form

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

The sacrifices of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Grant that we might live lives that are honorable and pure before You, and that our fasting might be a blessed chastening. Deliver us from all gluttony, greed and hypocrisy, which may turn penitent fasting into a sinful excuse for boasting. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, care for those who implore us on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to You. Provide for the earthly needs of our pastors, sustain them in faith, grant them strength and diligence in their work, and show Your lovingkindness to their families. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, look graciously on the families of our congregation. Defend Your holy estate of marriage against every enemy that would divide. Strengthen parents for their duties, especially bringing up their children in the fear and instruction of the Lord, and preserve us all faithful to the end. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, remember in mercy all who bear office in our land. Give them wisdom, protect them from danger and help them serve our people according to Your gracious will. Help us to become a people that guards the rights of the weakest and most vulnerable, especially the unborn. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort Your people, dear Lord, in their many and various afflictions. Relieve the sick, the suffering, the addicted, the troubled and the dying [including _____________]. Give to them healing, peace and recovery as You so will. Keep us mindful that by Christ’s wounds we are healed, both in this life and, ultimately, in the resurrection on the Last Day. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Father, by the gift of Your Son’s body and blood we are given to taste Your abundant pardon. Grant that all who receive the Lord’s Supper this day might return to You and forsake sinful ways and thoughts, that they might have joy in Your salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us patience in tribulation, O Lord, and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Comfort the weeping with Your lovingkindness, console the grieving with the hope of the resurrection, and help us to live in harmony with one another. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray all these things in the name of our crucified and risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — One-Year 2025–2026 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.