Palm Sunday Prayers of Triumph and Praise

“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13 ESV)

Triumphant indicates victory or success. Prayer is our lifeline to the Father in heaven, the One True God. Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to earth to fulfill the will of His Father. Our Triune God remains with us, through the incarnation of the Holy Spirit in every believer, made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross! The death and resurrection of Jesus was triumphant, indeed! Jesus was not the military conqueror king God’s people expected. Let us join in prayer on Palm Sunday to rejoice in our Savior's kingship and victory!

Through Christ’s death on the cross—alone but for the two criminals beside him and a few faithful followers with his earthly mother, Mary—would triumphantly defeat death. Palm Sunday, and the following days of Holy Week leading up to the Easter celebration of Christ’s resurrection and victory, allow us to witness the very character of our great God. He is loving beyond what we can understand. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. As we pray today, may every backwards situation and possible failure be revived by the hope we have in Jesus Christ. God is close to the brokenhearted, and Christ came to save all of us.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Azerberber

A Prayer for Palm Sunday

Father,

Palm Sunday is approaching, and this past year has brought tumultuous times and flashes of fear that none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. The very real fallen state of our world and frailty of life have been put front and center in our lives in a visceral way. We look to you, Father, to guide us out of our fear and remind us of our Savior. We do not need to be afraid. You have given us the wisdom we need to live each day of our lives to the full purpose You have designed for us to live.

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A Palm Sunday Prayer to Rejoice in Hope

Father, Palm Sunday is a reminder of the unexpected, yet fully anticipated, King of Kings. Jesus did not look like the Messiah Your people hoped for. The way He entered the Holy City of Jerusalem on that day, riding a young donkey as a significant sign of peace and fulfillment of prophecy, did not align with their expectations of a military conqueror. Much of our daily lives don’t align with our expectations, Father. So much of our lives don’t make sense. This Palm Sunday, let us embrace the unexpected entrance of our Savior, Jesus. He is Peace. Let us apply this incredible truth to our lives. Peace mattered to Jesus. He came to bring us Peace. He is peace. Father, how quickly we forget the Peace we possess in Christ! Remind us, minute by minute, as we navigate difficult days and trying times. Father, we need Peace to live life to the full, as Jesus died for us to live.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Javier Art Photography

Thank Jesus for the Pain He Faced for Us

Jesus knew, riding into the Holy City amidst pomp and circumstance, what He would have to face in the coming days. How many of us wouldn’t continue on if we knew the worst possible ending was inevitable. He continued on to accomplish Your will, in peace, not panic. Though He passionately cried tears of blood, asking that there be any other way, He obediently and peacefully walked to the cross because it was the only way. We can walk through trouble, trial, and pain, because our Savior sustains us. He has already walked the most difficult path and died to defeat the death we deserve. All of the pain we experience on this earth is temporary, for those who embrace Him as Savior will be eternally with Him in heaven. No pain, no suffering, no sickness, no death. Imagine the peaceful parade, palms waving as He returns once again, to free us completely.

Pray for Purpose through Forgiveness

When we are hurting, struggling, or overwhelmed, Father, I pray we can embrace the scene of Palm Sunday, in all of its significance, in order to fuel a hope in us that will drive us on day after day, in peace-filled pursuit of Your purpose for our lives.

Father, we confess today our sins. Specifically, forgetting You. Neglecting to remember and let Jesus’ sacrifice resonate with us. Jesus, You are closer than we could ever possibly understand. We confess worry, for we know You say it does us no good. Even still, we worry and become anxious daily. We confess our lack of care and love for the other people You have placed in our lives. Father, our Savior laid down His life for every one of us, centuries before we would ever walk the earth. In the same sacrificial way, let us be willing to take up our crosses daily, and lay down our lives for the people You have placed in them.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/jordachelr

A Palm Sunday Prayer for Joyful Worship

Thank You, Father, for the life You have given us to live. For the sun rising to start another day, and the reminders of Your creation surrounding us. When we witness a beautiful mark of Your creative hand, let us recall that Christ was with You, too, when the world began and the sound of Your voice. He eventually came to earth, and watched the same sunrise we now see. He looked into the stars in the sky, and now looks down upon us, prayerfully, with love. With grateful hearts we praise You, God, for who You are and who we are in You. Let the Peace of Christ’s Palm Sunday entrance remain in our memories. When we are fearful and anxious, help us to recall the Peace in which Jesus rode into the city, so soon after to be crucified. God our Father, help us to act in grace and peace in the face of fear, both known and unknown, knowing You are incredibly close.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Palm Sunday Scriptures and Readings:

Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 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!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Zechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

John 12:12-19 - The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

Cover Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Avel/Chuklanov

Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ at Joy Overflowing and Sunny&80. She is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and "Sent, Faith in Motion." Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team as Editor of Christian Headlines. Meg loves being involved in her community and local church, leads Bible study, and serves as a youth leader for teen girls.

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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