Ashes

When the choir begins to sing "Ashes," the mood in the church immediately shifts to one of quiet reflection and honest repentance. This piece by Tom Conry is a staple for the Lenten season, especially on Ash Wednesday. It speaks directly to our human frailty—the good we have failed to do, our stumblings, and the dreams we haven't fully realized. Instead of hiding these imperfections, the song invites the congregation to bring them forward as an offering to God.

Musically, the gentle, flowing melody carries a profound sense of hope. We aren't just dwelling on our failures; we are asking God to take our "offering of ashes" and use it to create ourselves and the world anew. During the Offertory in Lent, as the gifts are brought to the altar, these lyrics remind everyone in the pews that God accepts our brokenness just as readily as our triumphs.

For a choir, the beauty of this piece lies in its sincerity. The harmonies support the text without overpowering it, allowing the message of healing and renewal to shine through. Singing the final verse, a doxology of thanks to the Father, Son, and Spirit, lifts the gaze of the assembly from the ashes of repentance to the promise of salvation.