Passion Monday

Glory Hallelujah!

Father, this morning may we lift our hearts in praise to you.

Yesterday on Palm Sunday we dropped our cloaks on the ground to make way for you. Show us how to lift the palm branches to declare your glory and your salvation. You said even the rocks would cry out if we didn't; we do not want rocks to do what we long to do. Show us how, Father.

We threw down our palm fronds, fanned them around you and lifted the air with hallelujahs. But we are often a frail and fickle people--forgetting.

As Palm Sunday rolls into Monday, as the gates closed behind you please, Father, let our temples be cleansed. I pray as we hear you teach we would have ears to hear and eyes to see.

We know at the end of the week we will change our minds if we do not keep our hearts and eyes fixed on you and your purpose and goal. Instead of glorifying and lifting you up in praise we will be mocking and crucifying you in contempt.

Father, please help us. Please help our  minds to not be swayed by persuasive arguments. Help our hearts to not be mesmerized by the gildings of this world.

Father, on Sunday we lifted you up, exalted you but even on Monday we begin to mutter. We are so paranoid you will come into our temple today and overthrow the tables. That you will tell us we are using these temples for what they were never intended for.

Father, at the end of the week I do not want to be shouting crucify him. I do not want to be in the middle of the mob, moved and pulled and screaming things I don't mean. 

Father, today change my heart so that on Friday I won't say things I will later regret. Renew my mind today, Father, so that on Friday I will understand I can't stand with the mob, I can't run away like the disciples.

Father, this is your Son's passion week. But it is ours too. Where do we find ourselves this week? With whom do we align? Are we falling asleep in the garden? Cutting off ears? Kissing our friends? Watching from afar? Denying any association?

Where are we this week?

Show us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen and amen.