A Prayer for Palm Sunday

“And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”” (Mark 11:7–10 ESV)

Oh God, my great king and redeemer, how often have I praised you and welcomed you gladly only to reject you and scorn you afterwards?

It was my sinful hands that both raised the palm and drove the nails, my sinful mouth screaming both "Hosanna" and "Crucify". Oh God, you could have silenced our shameful, duplicitous praise and let the rocks, who have no pretensions, praise you whole heartedly. The rocks would have been a better welcome than the fronds.

But you were driven by a love deeper than my sin, a justice greater than my rebellion, a holiness more perfect than my efforts.

My sin, what bitter wells of sorrow! You have replaced with living water.

The unleavened bread of my soul, now rises with the yeast of you kingdom.

You entered on a colt, and exited a cross, descended to the depths, and rose again victorious. I praise you oh God with the same sinful lips that welcomed you with "Hosanna", but I stand before you on your nail-gorged feet. Thus I stand with confidence!

Thank you for entering and engaging! I love you Lord Jesus!

Amen