Liturgy of the Palms
April 13, 2025
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Luke 19:28-40 or
John 12:12-16
O eternal One, shrouded in mystery, yet revealed in Jesus; awesome in power, yet preferring to relate to us in gentleness; capable of commanding us, yet preferring to win us with love; we can but bow in awe, in wonder, in adoration, and in praise to you who are from age to age and into all of the ages.
We thank you for that humble ride Jesus took into Jerusalem. Like those folk who greeted him that day we wish to make him fit into our preconceptions. They were wishing a conqueror. Instead he came as a gentle peacemaker.
We would wish him to be the one who blesses our wars; instead he loves all people equally.
We would wish him to make himself and you crystal clear and remove the ambiguity from life; instead he offers us a way and a path and the opportunity to walk by faith and the necessity to exercise simple trust.
We would wish him to remove all sin and darkness from life; instead he offers us forgiveness.
We would wish him to remove life’s obstacles and sufferings; instead he offers us his presence in trial and rejoicing.
Be with us on this day, O God. May we be open to this life-changing Jesus. Cause us to be receptive of heart as we lean into this holy week. Teach us to temper our internal tantrums and demands and lead us to understand that most difficult virtue of humility.
Be with those who are confronting life-changing situations. Be with those with chronic and debilitating illness whose grief and loss and frustration are compounded as their physical power wane. Be with those who have drunk the bitter cup of grief. Be to them a powerful presence. Bind up their wounds and grant them comfort. And bring our world peace, O Prince of Peace. Amen
April 13, 2025
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Luke 19:28-40 or
John 12:12-16
O eternal One, shrouded in mystery, yet revealed in Jesus; awesome in power, yet preferring to relate to us in gentleness; capable of commanding us, yet preferring to win us with love; we can but bow in awe, in wonder, in adoration, and in praise to you who are from age to age and into all of the ages.
We thank you for that humble ride Jesus took into Jerusalem. Like those folk who greeted him that day we wish to make him fit into our preconceptions. They were wishing a conqueror. Instead he came as a gentle peacemaker.
We would wish him to be the one who blesses our wars; instead he loves all people equally.
We would wish him to make himself and you crystal clear and remove the ambiguity from life; instead he offers us a way and a path and the opportunity to walk by faith and the necessity to exercise simple trust.
We would wish him to remove all sin and darkness from life; instead he offers us forgiveness.
We would wish him to remove life’s obstacles and sufferings; instead he offers us his presence in trial and rejoicing.
Be with us on this day, O God. May we be open to this life-changing Jesus. Cause us to be receptive of heart as we lean into this holy week. Teach us to temper our internal tantrums and demands and lead us to understand that most difficult virtue of humility.
Be with those who are confronting life-changing situations. Be with those with chronic and debilitating illness whose grief and loss and frustration are compounded as their physical power wane. Be with those who have drunk the bitter cup of grief. Be to them a powerful presence. Bind up their wounds and grant them comfort. And bring our world peace, O Prince of Peace. Amen