Lord Jesus,
we are a fickle people,
quick to turn away.
We are quick to flock to you when all is well,
but we are prone to scatter
when there is opposition or criticism.
Too often we have kept silent before you,
afraid to proclaim your praise.
It is easy to join the crowd
as you ride triumphantly into Jerusalem—
singing our joys and expectations,
dancing our hopes and dreams.
It is far more difficult to stand by you
as the crowd cries for your crucifixion.
Forgive our weakness
when we turn away.
Strengthen us for the journey ahead
as we relive your suffering and death,
that we might stay beside you to the end.
Give us the courage to shout our hosannas,
not only today, but each and every day. Amen.