Almighty One,
King of Kings,
Lord of Lords,
Prince of Peace,
The one who leads in love, not with the might of armies.

We call you on these your holy names to remind us, your people, that no earthly king, no powers or principalities, will carry us into your kingdom.

Inspire us to lay aside the arms we bear against each other in thought, word, and deed. Soften our hearts to the fullness of your story, let it strengthen us to hear and know the stories of the ones we call stranger, neighbor, other, friend.

This is a day of parading, that as we walk with you, oh Christ, so close to your death, you lead us in song and triumph. You lead us in shouts of “Hosanna!”

We want to tell the story of the parade, not the betrayal.
We long for the triumph of good news over fear.
We ask you now to abide with us in the bold hope, in the expectation, of your presence in our lives.

We pray for your people on this day, oh Lord. For those whose arms tire of waving palms or whose voices tremble in your praise. Steady our voices by adding your own. Lift up our weariness with your strength. May those awaiting healing be made whole. May those living in fear or anguish feel your peace.

Especially in this week where we count yet more disasters of earthquake and flood, we pray for the healing of the people, the land and the waterways of this, your beloved creation. We pray for the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and those recovering from storms and floods in the midwest and southeast of this nation. We pray for all who are displaced from homeland or family. May they be reunited in peace and in restoration.

As we walk toward the cross with you in this holy week, guide our footsteps.

We pray you are with us as we hope and we watch for you.

Together we pray, in the name of the one who came to give abundant life, the prayer Jesus taught us, saying…

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 forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.