A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Monday, March 25, 2024

Sunday (March 24/Palm Sunday) Pastoral Prayer

March 24, 2024
Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC

O God, on this day in which we wave our palm branches to welcome you ride into Jerusalem, we are reminded that in just five days from now, we will be reflecting on how you died on a cross for the sake of the world. Even on this Palm Sunday, we are already trembling at the thought of what will happen.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week to the Upper Room, to Golgotha, and to the tomb. Lest we forget.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week and reflect on how we betray and deny you. Lest we forget.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week and be reminded of the great lengths you will willing to go for the sake of the world. Lest we forget.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week and be mindful of the pain and suffering that we see and hear about throughout this world that you love so much. Lest we forget.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week as we pray for those on our hearts and minds who are in need of healing, hope, direction, and a new beginning. Lest we forget.

 

Grant us the courage to walk with you this week and serve others even if it’s as simple as giving someone who is thirsty a cup of cold water, running an errand for a neighbor, being a good listener and helping people feel heard and accepted, offering a word of encouragement to someone who is feeling down, donating food to a shelter. Lest we forget.

 

And grant us the courage to walk with you this week and join together in boldly praying this prayer that you taught us to say together…

 

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

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