On this day when we remember your triumphal entry
we admit that we, too, have paid lip service to you,
but have not wanted to follow when the road is difficult.
The words in our heads have often been,
“Can’t,” “Won’t,” “Never,” “Impossible.”
Believing our problems too deep for you,
we have underestimated your power
and stewed in our own misery.
We repent of this hardheartedness.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Too often we pray only for ourselves and our own needs.
We gobble your comfort greedily and run away,
never returning to say “Thank you”.
We repent of this unthankfulness.
We want to be ever mindful of your presence in our lives.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You place people in our road
who are in desperate need of your good news.
We confess we have walked by on the other side,
saying, “We’ll help them tomorrow,
when we have more time or more money
or more something.” Forgive us.
Help us to be your hands and feet in this world.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, we long to be dear disciples,
washing each other’s feet.
We long to be faithful companions,
awake in the darkest hour.
We long to follow in your footsteps,
even if they lead to crosses on a barren hillside.
These are the desires of our hearts.
God, in your mercy, you hear our prayer.
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.