Worship for Palm Sunday: April 5

Introduction

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

Worship Liturgy

Children’s Time – Encourage the gathering of “palms.”

Rite for Blessing of Palms [ELW p. 156]

Dialogue

Processional Gospel [Matthew]

Blessing of the Palms

Procession “Prepare the Way of the Lord,” Taize

Children’s Message [NG] Praise hands to prayer hands

Scripture

Philippians 2: 5-22 Humbled to the point of death on a cross

Song: “:Stay with Me” ELW 348

Matthew 26: 36-46

“O Lord, Hear My Prayer” ELW 751

Prayer of the Faithful

Lord’s Prayer

Peace

Final Blessings {AKA Benediction}

Dismissal

Prayer of the Day

O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Additional Readings and Psalm

Procession with Palms

Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus enters Jerusalem

Readings and Psalm

Isaiah 50:4-9a
The servant of the Lord submits to suffering
Psalm 31:9-16
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)

Matthew 26:14–27:66
The passion of the Lord
Matthew 27:11-54 (alternate)
The passion of the Lord

Offerings of Thanksgiving

While we are keeping physical social distance, there are still options for you to continue bringing your offerings to God and support the ministries of Grace.