Palm Sunday Congregational Prayer

Thank you God for your triumphal entry into our world each and every day.
The slow motion explosion of buds on the trees proclaim “Hosanna!”
Rushing water, falling from heaven, gurgling to the sea, proclaims “Hosanna!”
The fragrance of spring in the morning air proclaims, “Hosanna!”
And the beauty of a baby’s fingers, the softness of their cheek proclaims your praise!

We long to join this chorus, giving you thanks and praise for who you are,
for all you have created, all you are creating.
Thank you for sending Jesus, who showed us your love for all creation,
your love for us.
He opened our eyes to see your kingdom come here on earth.
Forgive us for the times where we have gone about our own business,
concerned with many things, oblivious to the needs of those around us,
oblivious to the call of your love in our heart.
God of grace, equip us to be your servants, listening, eager, ready.

Thank you for your presence in our world, even in war-filled places.
We hear of bombs dropped, children killed, the needy betrayed.
We are tempted to despair, and to think that you have forsaken us.
We are tempted to think that you are powerless.
Give us a vision of your entry into our world as the Prince of peace,
changing hearts, changing our hearts, one by one,
creating an army of peacemakers who say no to violence.
God of great deeds, open our hearts to be your hearts,
our hands to be your hands,
our arms, to be your loving arms
for all who need your presence.
You know the people in our congregation with pressing needs:

those with new diagnoses, those waiting for tests, those coping with chronic pain.
We grieve with those here who are grieving, and we ask you for comfort and healing.
We pray for marriages that are in trouble, and relationships that are strained,
walk with us, and show us the way.
We ask all these things, in the name of Christ, Amen.

New Book Coming Soon!

Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.  

You can order it here!

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

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  • Worship resources in a Mennonite voice for ears of all kinds

    Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds. 

    Feel free to use these orally in a worship service (in-person or broadcasted)  , but if they are printed in a bulletin please use the following credit

    “Copyright Carol Penner  www.leadinginworship.com.”

    Contact me for use in newsletters or printed resources, I am happy to grant permission but I would like to know how my writing is being used.  You can reach me at carol@leadinginworship.com.