This Week’s Theme
The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21.1-11
As Jesus and his apostolic company approached Jerusalem on the last week of his life, he sent two disciples into the city to find a donkey to carry him into Jerusalem. This took place in order to fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples obeyed the Lord’s directions, brought the donkey along with its colt, put their cloaks on the animals, and Jesus sat on them.
Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and laid them on the road. The people that went before him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And as the Lord entered the holy city, the whole place was stirred up, asking, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” Jesus of Nazareth of Galilee is the Messiah, the anointed one God, Son of Man and Son of David, the promised King of Israel.
Preparing Our Hearts
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Almighty and most gracious God, who gavest thy Son for our redemption: grant that as at this time we remember the way wherein he went up to Jerusalem, there to suffer, the just for the unjust, so we may follow him in his holy footsteps; and with him dying unto sin, may henceforth in him live unto righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ James Ferguson (Ferguson and Wallis, p. 144)
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen.
Praising Our God
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, amen.
Listening to His Voice
Chronological Reading for the Day
Sunday: Pss. 12-17; 19-21
Chronological Holy Week Readings
Palm Sunday: Matt. 21.1-17; Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.28-48; John 12.12-50
Lectionary Readings for Liturgy of the Palms
Psalm: Ps. 118.1-2, 19-29
OT: Isa. 50.4-9a
Gospel: Matthew 21.1-11
NT: Phil. 2.5-11
(Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
Responding in Faith
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Departing to Serve
Benediction
O God, the comforter of the humble and the strength of the faithful, be merciful to your suppliants; that human weakness, which by itself is prone to fall, may be evermore supported by you to stand upright; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Amen.]
~ The Gelasian Sacramentary (Ferguson and Wallis, p. 72)
Affirmation for the Day
“Hosanna, blessed is he, who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our Father, David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11.9-10)
Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day
Behold, Jesus of Nazareth of Galilee is the Messiah; the King of Israel has come to Zion for us.
For Your Weekly Journey
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
If I Be Lifted Up, John 12.20-36
Book Reading
Barrett, None Greater
Special Church Year Services
Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 9, 2020
Good Friday: Friday, April 10, 2020
Holy Saturday: Saturday, April 11, 2020