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Palm Sunday

prayer: you were there, you are here

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Creator of Palms and Presence in Passion, you were there.

You were there for the triumphant entry –
riding a donkey and colt
(untied for sacred purpose)
on a road
covered with cloaks
padded with palms.

You were there to battle injustice –
ejecting merchants
overturning tables
toppling benches
rejecting the den of robbers
ensuring a house of prayer.

You were there to witness generosity –
the rich giving much
(a pittance from their abundance)
the widow giving all
(everything she had)
teaching discipleship.

You were there in a new commandment –
“Love one another –
Just as I have loved you,
you also should love one another”
Love the Lord your God with all…
Love one another as you hope to be loved.

You were there to forgive –
two who did not know
many who did know
Praying on their behalf
on our behalf
grace upon grace upon grace.

Creator of Palms and Presence in Passion, you are here.

Entering our lives in unexpected ways –
exposing injustice
welcoming generosity
fostering love
widening grace
inviting discipleship.

Entering our lives in more familiar ways –
companionship in isolation
spoken word in silence
laughter in restless longing
quiet in constant murmur
nourishment for every hour.

Entering our lives as you entered Jerusalem –
humble leader
adamant prophet
quiet observer
thoughtful teacher
steadfast servant.

Creator of Palms and Presence in Passion, you were there – you are here.

Grant us what we need
that we may receive what you offer
and share what you give.

submitted by Katherine Kussmaul, Saint Giles Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, North Carolina

prayer of dedication for Palm Sunday

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(based on Psalm 118:26-29)
Blessed is the one who comes in your name, Lord!
With these gifts, we would follow you
even as you lead us into the deepest sacrifice.
We glory in the drama of your salvation.
We give you thanks, because you are good,
because your faithful love lasts forever. Amen.
submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

palms and passion: an order of service for Palm Sunday

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This order of service for Palm/Passion Sunday breaks up the readings for the Revised Common Lectionary Year C throughout worship.

Call to Worship (perhaps this call to worship by Thom Shuman)

Prayer of Invocation

The Entry into Jerusalem: Luke 19:28-44

Hymn of Praise: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Prayer for Illumination

Jesus Clears the Temple: Luke 19:45-48

Anthem

The Widow’s Offering: Luke 21:1-4

Offering of Our Lives and Possessions

Doxology and Prayer of Dedication

Judas Turns: Luke 22:1-6

Prayer of Confession (perhaps this by Laura Cunningham)

Assurance of Pardon

Congregational Response

Jesus Prays in the Garden: Luke 22:39-46

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Jesus Is Arrested: Luke 22:47-53

Homily

Hymn: Go to Dark Gethsemane

Benediction

Benediction Response: Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!

submitted by Rev. Evan Walker, Roxboro Presbyterian Church, Roxboro, NC

confession: after the parade

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God of our salvation…
we grasp our coveted, once-a-year, palm branches…
we sing and shout, “Hosanna!”…
we proclaim in those moments
that we want you to save us…
but we’re not always sure
you understand what we mean. 

You have come to vanquish the status quo…
but we have been comfortable in that life.
You have come to turn the world upside down…
but we’re afraid you will shake things up
more than we intended.
You have come to draw us closer
to your vision for creation…
but, at times, we think you may be
just a little too impassioned. 

We like the palm branches.
We even like the hymns.
But we just want to go home after the parade. 

Forgive our lack of vision…
forgive our lukewarm passion…
and inspire us to step off the curb
and to start marching at your side… 

Submitted by Rev. Scott V. Cervas (Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church; Lexington, KY)

Confession: take our branches

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Covenant-making God,
you enter into our lives in ways we could not have expected.
Sometimes, we confess, we think you are making a fool of yourself and us.
We cannot see how your way can work, or be right,
because it is so contrary to all our ambition and understanding.
Yet we shout our Hosannas and sing our praises.
Forgive us for projecting all our narrow worldly views on you
and expecting you to live up to our standards.
Take our branches and our lives,
that we may learn to lay them down in your service,
following your way even when we cannot understand.
We pray in the name of the One who made a parade
with only a donkey and some children singing for your glory, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

(The blocks may be constructed into a cross during the assurance of forgiveness.)

 

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson

More liturgy following the Old Testament readings for Lent B may be found here.