Humble Palm Sunday Congregational Prayer

Holy Jesus,
you come to meet us in humble ways.
You meet us in the lengthening of the light.
You meet us in the fragrance of the earth, melting.
You meet us in the delicate petals of the first yellow crocus blossom.
You meet us in the first bee we see.
This year we will look for little signs of life, not passing them by,
but stopping and giving thanks for your presence in the beauty of our world.
Your holy presence is all around us.
Thank you for this congregation gathered to worship,
and for way you have shaped us into a loving supportive community
reaching out to those in need.
Thank you for showing us the joy of losing ourselves and finding your strength.
We need strength this week to love our families,
to be kind at work even when we are tired,
and to give to our community, even when we feel we have nothing to give.
We come to you in humility because we are not a perfect people.
We know what’s right and we would like to do it,
but we feel that road is too hard, and too costly.
Forgive us for cheering you on your lonely road
while we take the easy way.
We love a humble Saviour riding a donkey,
but we want the best things, and honour without responsibility.
Today we pray for all who are tempted by power:
for our political leaders with many followers who will do anything to stay popular;
for those with great financial resources, who only want to use it for themselves;
for those with power over vulnerable people, who hurt those in their care.
You know how each one of us is being tempted in our own life:
In this moment of silence we meet you at our own crossroads,
we feel your great tender love for us and listen to your voice….[Silence]
Thank you that you don’t just show us the way,
you are the way, and you empower us to follow you.
We follow you together, with hosannas in our hearts.
In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.