Palm Sunday Prayer

O God who has known the clamor of a thousand Palm Sundays and the disappointment of a million crucifixions, we bow in your presence as those who have both affirmed and denied you, and ask your forgiveness.  Give us your grace that we may learn to live in affirmation and not denial.

Let the Spirit that was in Christ Jesus our Lord be in us that we may say, Abba, Father and walk in your righteousness. Deliver us from false values, from selfish desire and the worship of things, that we may not waste our lives on goals and objects without eternal significance.  Guard us this week from betraying our Christ as Judas did, and for a few pieces of silver or a promotion at the office or a quick thrill or a cheap victory over an enemy. Lead us daily to the garden of prayer, that we may empty ourselves and know your will and have the courage to do it.

Strengthen us for the betrayals and crucifixions we face, that we may know in our own flesh and hearts and minds the power of your resurrection.  Let grace overflow like a fountain in our lives, nurturing affection for mercy and peace and goodness. And guide us into the ministries of hearing and responding to all your little ones.

These and all things we pray in the strong Name of Jesus who is the Christ.

Amen.