I had the opportunity to be a part of leading the 7:45 AM worship service this past weekend. This is the prayer which I used in the service:
Pastoral Prayer
Lord, we rejoice with the people about whom we read in your written Word – waving palm branches as you enter Jerusalem. We rejoice at the way that you enter into our lives and offer transformation in our lives, communities and for your world.
Remind us, O God, that this joyful entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of the week of your suffering and death on a cross. When we are suffering, heal us with your self-giving love which brought you to that cross.
We admit that we do not just passively endure suffering, but instead by what we have done or what we have left undone we cause suffering for others – in an offhand comment, in distance in a relationship, in anger, or through indifference to the internal and external suffering of those around us. We pause now to silently confess the wrong that we have done to You and to others.
(Pause)
Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank you for the forgiveness that you offer through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the work of your Holy Spirit in and among us guiding and directing the way that we should go. Thank you for your love for us, like a parent for a child.
Send peace to your people that face death daily – whether it be in an armed conflict, terrorism, or the grim reality of no food to eat or clean water to drink. Give us the tools and willingness to bring about change where we are able.
Guide the political leaders in this city, both current and newly elected, to make clear decisions about what is the best direction for our neighbors and for us.
O God, give us the strength to be agents of change in your world. Strengthen us to live in your kingdom about which Jesus taught his disciples to pray the prayer which we now say together:
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us form evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Rev. Andrew Conard 