A Collect for Ash Wednesday

Merciful God, who had pity on the Ninevites: keep our heads lifted, knees strong, and feet straight in the paths you have set for us as we lay aside every weight and sin that clings to us during this time of penitence, preparation and discipline; remind us of the fruit of righteousness that it yields, that at the end of this forty days we may be prepared to celebrate the Resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ from the dead; through that same Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit in unity throughout all time.  Amen.