PALM SUNDAY

Palm Sunday reminds me of Corrie ten Boom who always replied when people praised her for her Christian ministry that she was only the donkey on whom Jesus rode. May we learn from her humility!

Jesus, King of the universe; ride on in humble majesty:

Lord, this Palm Sunday may I recognize in you the Lord who comes to this world, and join with full heart in the children’s ‘hosanna’.

Ride on, through conflict and debate, ride on through sweaty prayer and betrayal of friends:

Lord, this Palm Sunday forgive me my evasions of truth, my carelessness of your honour; my weakness which leaves me sleeping even while in others you suffer and anguished; my cowardice that does not risk the consequences of publicly acknowledging you as Lord.

Ride on to the empty tomb and your rising in triumph,

Ride on to raise up your Church, a new body for your service;

Ride on, King Jesus to renew the whole earth in your image, in your compassion come and help us. Amen.

Lord, this Palm Sunday may I see in each cross of palm leaves the new life blossoming from your cross of wood. In the songs of rejoicing may I hear a faint echo of that greater and more glorious hymn that lies beyond Easter Day. In the Palm Sunday procession may I see foreshadowed that vast multitude which no one can number, giving glory and praise to you in that life they share with you beyond the empty tomb. So in this Palm Sunday prepare my heart for the Passion and Easter Sunday, my Lord God. In the name of Jesus who is King. Amen.

(Ruth Etchells, Just As I Am, Personal prayers for every day. p.146.)