Congregational Lent Reading - Week Six
Prayers and Reflections for Palm Sunday,
28th March 2021, 6th Sunday of Lent
Prepared by Congregational Prayer Group
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
And his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100
Opening prayer
“Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
John Stott
Gospel Reading from The Message: Mark 11: 1-11
When they were nearing Jerusalem…..he sent off two of his disciples with instructions: “You’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘The Master needs him, and will return him right away.’”
They went and found a colt tied to a door…and untied it. Some of those standing there said, “What are you doing untying that colt?” The disciples replied exactly what Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted. (Mark 11:1-7)
Ponder and reflect:
- What can we learn from Jesus in this passage?
- Why would Jesus tell them to take the colt?
- Were the owners willing for them to take it?
- How did Jesus know they would be willing?
The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out,
Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!
Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in highest heaven! (Mark 11:8-11)
He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve.
Ponder and reflect:
- What is the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem like this?
- How did the crowd react?
- What is the significance of palm branches?
Shout and cheer, Daughter Zion!
Raise the roof, Daughter Jerusalem!
Your King is coming!
A good king who makes all things right,
A humble king riding a donkey,
A mere colt of a donkey. (Zechariah 9: 9)
Prayers:
- May our church be a place of rest, truth and love - full of God’s grace and power.
That we would be a church of inclusivity and that all would feel welcome. - Forgive us when we categorise people; thank you that you are a God of all nationalities and ethnicities; we can all come to you on an equal footing.
- We ask that we will depend more and more on you; that you will be our firm cornerstone, that you will be a treasure in our hearts; that we will not be shaken in this climate of uncertainty, and by so doing, we will show and share love, compassion and grace to those around us.
* Help us to pray for the storms we face which include:
* Global infirmity, particularly for those in our own congregation who suffer ill health.
*Economic instability, including those who have lost their jobs and face an uncertain future.
*Children and young people who have suffered enormously throughout this past year.
*Political incivility - give our politicians and police force godly wisdom, strength and clarity.
*Racial inequality - give us all a renewed commitment to our common life together.
*Social invisibility - the homeless, the elderly, the lonely, the hungry.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer for Holy Week:
Merciful God, as we enter Holy week, turn our hearts again to Jerusalem, and to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stir up within us the gift of faith that we may not only praise him with our lips but may follow him in the way of the cross. In Jesus name, Amen (John Paarlberg)