A Prayer for Palm Sunday

Dominica Palmarum ​(Palm Sunday)
by Pastor Charles

Loving Christ,

We are about to journey with You to the cross, once again. We are in the lull before the storm, the breath before the Word goes forth. Soon it will be procession and palm, then towel and basin, bread and cup, whips and thorns, cross and nails.

Why do we remember or re-enact these terrible moments? Is it simply to mark the event? Are we going through the motions, trying to recapture the emotions, wanting to feel something as we gather for worship during the week we call holy? Are we just playacting, pretending we care about Your suffering? After all, we know it comes out all right in the end.

Or is this a time for us to stand in solidarity with all who suffer? Are our eyes open to those whose homes are the casualty of wars of aggression? Are our hearts broken by those who bear the scars of abuse, of neglect, of hate? Are we willing to relinquish our hold on power, on the way things are, so that those who are being oppressed by our privilege might find a place to breathe?

Lord, we will walk behind You in the week to come. We will watch again as You bow under the lash, as You are lifted up, as the nails are driven in. But help us do more than watch. Help us find our way through this valley that we might find the way to Resurrection and to life. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Derek C. Weber, March 2022