Rite for Prayers on Passion (Palm) Sunday

A table is prepared with a crucifix, the Bible, a candle and, if you have, a palm leaf. The candle is lit.

A song may be sung (of praise to Jesus who is Lord and who entered Jerusalem to the praises of the people).

A song and prayer to the Holy Spirit can also be used, that the Spirit might unite those gathered in prayer and open hearts and minds to God’s presence.

Leader: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Response: Amen.

Leader: God is rich in mercy, full of compassion. Let us ask Him to forgive us our sins.

I confess …………

May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

Response: Amen.

Opening prayer: Almighty God, you have given us Jesus as a model of humility,

He fulfilled Your will by becoming flesh and giving His life on the cross.

Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of humility and obedience and make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.

Response: Amen.

The scripture readings follow. They can be found in this edition of the Catholic News. If you want, read the longer form of the Gospel of Matthew 26:14 to 27:66.

If more than one person is praying this together, then there can be a sharing of what struck them in the readings. Otherwise there is a time of silent reflection, followed by the Creed and prayer intentions offered. The Our Father follows.

A prayer of spiritual communion may be said as follows:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart … I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

A time of spontaneous thanksgiving for all God’s blessings in our personal lives and for the gift of Jesus and all that He has done for us as heard in the readings may be included at this point.

Concluding Prayer: Almighty Father, we joyfully acclaim Jesus our King.

His death gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May His Resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

Response: Amen.

Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission