April 5, 2009
Prayers for Worship
by David von Schlichten
Leader: Just as Christ emptied himself, becoming obedient even to death on the cross,
People: so are we, the baptized, to take up the cross, emptying ourselves in response to the Good News.
Leader: Through Christ's Passion, God has shown us compassion, guaranteeing us life eternal, not death infernal.
People: We wave our palm branches with grateful submission to the King, the Messiah, who has saved us through suffering.
Leader: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we gather
People: for this, the first holy day of Holy Week, to meditate upon the cross with somber gratitude.
Eloi, Eloi, do not forsake us. Lead us, teach us, through the cross.
Leader: Have mercy on us, O LORD, for we are in trouble;
People: our eyes are consumed with sorrow.
Leader: We have sinned against you by refusing to empty ourselves.
People: We have denied and betrayed you.
Leader: We have hit you with disrespect and hung you out to die.
People: For the sake of the Crucified God, forgive us.
Leader: Let your face shine upon your servants;
People: save us in your steadfast love. Hosanna!
Wave palms, for Christ the King has rescued us from endless death through his death on the tree.
Breath of Christ, empty us of ourselves; fill us with the Word.
Savior, you have delivered us from the lasting grip of the Evil One. We praise you for Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whom you used as a force for good against wickedness. Through the wise strength of the cross, teach us not to cheapen grace but instead to embrace the cost of discipleship. King of the Jews, (congregational response: remember us.).
Messiah, we thank you for our nation and for humanity's great diversity. Bless citizen and leader of every land. Draw all people to yourself. King of the Jews, . . .
Son of God, you have blessed us with good family and good friends. Make us brave enough to make peace with our enemies. Keep us safe as we travel for the holydays. Embolden us to care for those for whom the holydays are without joy. King of the Jews, . . .
Lord of Moses, you continue to care for the Chosen People. We give gratitude to you for Passover and for our Jewish siblings. Bless them during their high holydays. Keep them safe in travel, and draw them closer to you. King of the Jews, . . .
Healer, you have cared for body, mind, soul, and heart. Bring healing to all in need, particularly those we mention now in our hearts or aloud [Add names]. King of the Jews, . . .
(You may add other praises or petitions here...)
Jesus, we empty ourselves as we lift our prayers to you, trusting in you to fill us and not forsake us. Amen.
Crucified-King, we lay these gifts at the foot of the cross in gratitude for your sacrifice.
Leader: Waving palms, bowing heads, we walk toward the three Great Days in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People: Lead us to dark Gethsemane.
(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)