How to use palm crosses to help families to pray

INVITING FAMILIES TO SPECIAL FESTIVAL services throughout the year, especially those who have come to have their child baptised in the last year or so, helps them to stay connected to their church.

Some of these families may not be used to regular prayer, so offering prayers with visual aids, keepsakes and accessible language will help them feel more involved and welcome.

On Palm Sunday everyone will be given a palm cross to take away. It can be used for prayer in the service, or for families to do at home while holding the palm cross.

Each point of the cross links to a theme.

1. Hold the cross in your right hand and then place your left thumb on the left ‘crosspiece’. Pray for the world, in these or similar words: Loving God, thank you that your peace reaches into every situation across our world. Be close to those places that need peace this day. Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
2. Place your left thumb on the right of the ‘crosspiece’ and pray for people in need in these or similar words: Loving God, thank you that your hope reaches into every situation. Be close to those who are ill or sad this day. Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
   Place your left thumb on the base of the ‘crosspiece’: Pray for the community where you live in using these or similar words: Loving God, thank you that your joy reaches into our homes. Help us to know that you are with us every day. Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
3. Place your thumb on top of the ‘crosspiece’: Pray for those who lead in the church and teach us about Jesus: Loving God, thank you that your love is shared through your church. Give wisdom to those who help us to know the Good News of Jesus. Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
4. Place your thumb in the centre of the ‘crosspiece’: Pray for yourself, in these or similar words: Loving God, thank you for Jesus and the love he showed for me. Help me to follow him more and more each day. Amen.