Worship Prayers April 14

CENTERING PRAYER

Gracious God, as we enter this Holy Week, strengthen us to move beyond the festive parade of palms and to follow Jesus into the way of the cross, that united with him and all the faithful, we may one day enter through the gates of righteousness into the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where we may praise you with Christ and the

Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 
Let Israel say: "His love endures forever." 
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 
The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 
This is the day the LORD has made; 
Let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. 
From the house of the LORD we bless you 
The LORD is God and he has made his light shine upon us. 
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the altar. 
You are my God, and I will give you thanks you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of heaven and earth, we give you thanks for sending us Jesus Christ. Even though we

profess to follow him, we confess that, in times of trouble, we too often deny him. Forgive us and heal us, we pray. Help us to put our faith not in the princes of this world but only in the Prince of Peace. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed