Author: Alan Mathew

Call to worship

We gather to seek God
to praise the Creator
to adore the Son
to abide in the Spirit.

To give thanks to the Lord
for He is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever

We gather on this last Sunday of Lent
to share in the praise of Palm Sunday
to anticipate the events of Holy Week
to journey towards the cross and tomb.

To give thanks to the Lord
for He is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever

We gather together
bringing all the worries and wonders of the world
bringing all that is heavy in our hearts or light in our souls
bringing all the joys and challenges of life
whatever our circumstances.

To give thanks to the Lord
for He is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever

Amen

Prayer of lament

God of Creation
We cry to You from the depths
of creation’s destruction
how long will rivers and lakes
be contaminated?
how long will forests be destroyed?
Jeopardizing the lives of indigenous,
afro and peasant families
who need these resources of Your creation
to enjoy a dignified life.
God of creation, hear our voice.

God of Justice
we cry to You from the depths
of injustice and abuse
how long will we be afraid
to denounce the activities
which weigh most heavily
on families and communities
who are destitute or poor?
How long will our silence
put countless virtuous lives at risk;
our brothers and sisters
whom You call us to care for and protect?
God of justice, hear our voice

God of Life,
We cry to You from the depths
Of inhumanity and neglect
How long will a lack of solidarity
And absence of compassion
bring pain to those who suffer
hunger, disease, abandonment and
loss of their rights and freedom?
Forgive our selfishness and insensitivity
that causes sadness and anguish
in many families and communities.
God of life, hear our voice.

-Moises Gonzalez, Christian Aid, Rage and Hope, SPCK 2021

Prayer for Palm Sunday

O Christ, You entered the city as a poor man
not in style but simply,
yet still You caused uproar, and questions everywhere;
you drew the expectations of a hungry crowd,
and brought buried conflicts to the light.
May we, who are sometimes swayed by the crowd’s approval,
and who often avoid conflict
for fear of its cost to us,
hold fast to the gospel of peace and justice
and follow faithfully in your way of compassion and solidarity
with those who are poor and excluded,
wherever it may lead us.
Amen.

By Kathy Galloway included in Christian Aid reflection and prayers for April 2017

Ride on Lord Jesus.
Upon a colt,
over cloaks,
under branches –
ride on Lord Jesus.

Towards a city,
through its gates,
past the crowds –
ride on Lord Jesus.

As Hosannas fade
and enemies sneer,
as danger closes
and friends falter –
ride on Lord Jesus.

Showing the way,
teaching the truth,
bringing life for all.
In the name of the Lord –
ride on Lord Jesus.

Christian Aid Monthly reflections and prayers, 2014