Loving Father, Eternal Mother, Creator of all time and space, be with us now in our own time and place. Today we celebrate Christ’s triumphant arrival in the holy city. We wave our palms and shout “Hosannas” as we thank you for your life evident in our brother Jesus whose life, death and resurrection reveal you fully: your love for humanity, your desire for human freedom, your passion for justice.
O God, we are so eager to celebrate. We like to be popular, to be liked. Do we really have to stand up and speak out against the wrongs we witness? Do we have to raise our voices in protest of the evil that we see? If we speak out, we will only become victims when the hosannas die down and the crowd becomes a mob.
O God, we know deep down inside that the true victim of our silence is the way of love, the way of life. Forgive our cowardice and help us to stand with Jesus in a world that has forgotten that you are the creator; forgotten humility and obedience to you. We want to be faithful. Why is it so hard?
Give us the courage to risk true discipleship. Open our hearts to accept all the gifts you offer. Help us to discern your will from our own that one day we may enter your righteous gates and give thanks. Help us to love all of humanity as you have loved us. Send your Holy Spirit to accompany us on our journey of faith, be present now and make this community one body in Christ. We are surprised by your power to do more, working through us than we can ever ask or imagine.
We pray now for all your broken and battered children. For those that are dealing with illness or injury, send your Holy Spirit to touch their lives through their caregivers and if it be your will touch them to bring about miraculous healing to your glory. For those that mourn, give them comfort and assurance. For those that are facing economic hardship, strengthen their faith that they will seek relief for your promises are never void.
We pray for our leaders, give them wisdom and the courage to stand for what is best for all your people, not just a few. We pray for all the people who put their lives on the line to protect others; EMTs, Police, Firemen, and Military Personnel. We pray for those who chose careers to specifically to help others; Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Counselors and Clergy. Give them courage, stamina and strength to do the jobs that protect and serve so many of us. Amen.
Palm Sunday Prayer Year A
My Spirit Soars 