Here’s an act of confession for Palm/Passion Sunday. It was written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies website.
Call to Reconciliation
When the parade is over, do we pick up our lives, brush them off, and live in the old way? Do we toss our palm branches aside, so we can grasp the seductions of the world? As we begin the journey through the holiest of weeks, let us speak the truth, as we confess to our God, praying together,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Ever constant Love, mixing love and hope together, you pave the way to the kingdom, but we prefer to stub our toes on the potholed roads of temptation. You would touch the cup of grace to our parched lips, but we seem to hunger for the ashy taste of bitterness. You beg us to learn the songs of salvation, but we hum along with the chorus death plays in the background of our lives.
When the parade is over, do we pick up our lives, brush them off, and live in the old way? Do we toss our palm branches aside, so we can grasp the seductions of the world? As we begin the journey through the holiest of weeks, let us speak the truth, as we confess to our God, praying together,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Ever constant Love, mixing love and hope together, you pave the way to the kingdom, but we prefer to stub our toes on the potholed roads of temptation. You would touch the cup of grace to our parched lips, but we seem to hunger for the ashy taste of bitterness. You beg us to learn the songs of salvation, but we hum along with the chorus death plays in the background of our lives.
Have mercy upon us, God of Holiness. As you come to us, you bring healing for our brokenness, peace for our troubled lives, hope for our doubting minds. May we empty ourselves of everything which keeps us from following you, so we may receive these gifts, and more, from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silent prayers may be offered.
Assurance of Pardon
Laying aside judgment, God offers us redemption;
Silent prayers may be offered.
Assurance of Pardon
Laying aside judgment, God offers us redemption;
setting aside anger, God embraces us with love;
letting go of grief, God pours living water upon us.
This is the good news, my friends:
God's steadfast love endures forever.
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Blessed is the One who brings us the kingdom of God!
Amen.
— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies blog. Visit there for many other excellent lectionary-based resources.
For more worship resources for Palm/Passion Sunday, click on Palm Sunday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
