Prayers: 29th March 2026
6th Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday/Te Rātapu Tuaono o Rēneti: te Rātapu Nikau
Taken from/inspired by Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:10-18, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11 and Matthew: 26:14-27:66
Bidding: I trust in you, Lord;
Response: You are my God.
[based on Psalm 31:14]
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Let us pray.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature[ God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant…
[Matthew 21:8-9]
Lord Jesus, may our communities grow to embody your grace and humility.
[silence]
Bidding: I trust in you, Lord;
Response: You are my God.
God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Lord Jesus, may your church be formed into a sign of your Kingdom.
[silence]
Bidding: I trust in you, Lord;
Response: You are my God.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
[Matthew 27:21-23]
Lord Jesus, you gave your life for a world that didn’t recognise you. Forgive us; draw all of creation into your Light.
[silence]
Bidding: I trust in you, Lord;
Response: You are my God.
Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem the people waved palms with shouts of acclamation. Grant that when the shouting dies we may still walk beside you even to a cross; for the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
