From today through to Easter Monday, I’m going to post a prayer each day from the book I’ve just finished writing, due out later this year, featuring a prayer for every day of the year, plus ones for special days in the Christian calendar. Today, then, a prayer for Palm Sunday.
PALM SUNDAY
As he rode, people carpeted the road with their cloaks. Then, as he started the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began loudly and joyfully to praise God for the mighty deeds they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven. Glory in the highest heaven!’
Luke 19:36-38
Lord Jesus Christ, humble and riding on a donkey,
coming to proclaim peace to the nations,
and a kingdom not of this world,
with those who welcomed you into Jerusalem long ago,
I join my voice in praising you.
With those who gathered to greet you,
I join my voice in acclaiming you as the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
With those who chanted in delight,
I join my voice in affirming, ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’
With those who carpeted the road with their cloaks,
I join my voice in proclaiming, ‘Glory in the highest heaven!’
With those who lined the streets to welcome you,
I join my voice in saluting you as the Prince of Peace.
With those who cried out in homage,
I join my voice in worshipping you as God with us.
With those who celebrated your coming,
I join my voice in exclaiming, ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’
With those who waved palm leaves to express their joy,
I join my voice in declaring, ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
With those who sang of your mighty deeds,
I join my voice in blessing God.
With those who gladly exalted your name,
I lift it up in turn.
With those who celebrated your arrival,
I join my voice in exultant rejoicing,
in extolling your coming,
Lord Jesus Christ,
with your people across the centuries I hail you,
I extol you,
I acknowledge you as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Amen.