Palm Sunday Year 1

Color: Purple or Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Palm Sunday A
Readings: Triumphal Entry Sermon text Matthew 21:1-17 – Companion text – Psalm 118:25-29
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Righteous God, you brought your son Jesus into Jerusalem to show people the radical grace of your love. Show us this grace, and give us eyes to see your goodness. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #781. Children of the Heavenly Father (Tryggare kan ingen vara)
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #770. Give Me Jesus
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #333. Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor*
ELW #241. O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #264. Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #531. Before Jehovah’s Awesome Throne
LBW #258. Hosanna to the Living Lord!
WOV #631. Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
Various Hymnals Filled with Excitement (1972) by Rubén Ruiz Ávila
Various Hymnals Hosanna (1985) by Carl Tuttle
Various Hymnals Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (1973) by Jennette Threlfall
Various Hymnals Praise Him, All Ye Little Children
Various Hymnals Tell Me the Stories of Jesus (1885) by William H. Parker
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
*Contains “Alleluia”

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #528. Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #556. Morning Has Broken
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #682. To God Our Thanks We Give (Reamo leboga)
Various Hymnals Crown his head with endless blessing (1811) by William Goode
Various Hymnals Give Thanks to God for All His Goodness (1982) by Stanley M. Wiersma
Various Hymnals O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good (1936)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“At Your Name” By Phil Wickham, Tim Hughes.
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Hallelujah Time” By Jean Watt.
“You Alone Can Rescue” By Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Cleanse your church of selfishness and hypocrisy, Lord; and open the lips of your followers that we might sing forth your praise. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse creation of pollution and harm, Lord; and make us better stewards of the abundant resources you provide. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse the nations of injustice and oppression, Lord; and work in our leaders that they may follow in your ways of peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse our hearts and minds, of fear and anxiety, Lord; and move us to reach out to others who are in mental pain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse the sick (especially,…) of their illness, Lord; and bless all who provide care and healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse this congregation of its brokenness, Lord; and help us to see you in one another. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Cleanse our hearts of doubt, Lord; and keep us steadfast in your Way, which the saints have trod before us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.