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.
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.