Palm Sunday Opening Prayer

Christ's entry into Jerusalem by Norman Adams

Lord Jesus, our King, we welcome you into our midst;

and we rejoice that you enter the gates of our lives, and our community,

not with force to coerce or control, but with love to liberate and renew.

Forgive us when we turn away from your gospel of good news for all people,

and try to proclaim your kingdom after our own desires.

Teach us to listen to you, to hear your words of grace and forgiveness,

and to put what we hear into action in our lives.

Break through the barriers we erect around our hearts,

and may we encounter you in humility and honesty.

We rejoice that you have come to us, that you are with us,

and that you will be with us always.

Amen.

By Simon Woodman