Palm/Passion Sunday

Color: Purple/Scarlet
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 24 | Triumphal Entry Text: John 12:12-27 |
Sermon Text: John 19:16b-22 (The Crucified Messiah)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of honor and celebration, together we cry, “Hosanna!” to your son, who rode willingly and bravely into Jerusalem. Hear us as we celebrate your anointed one, Jesus Christ. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #337. Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #335. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #353. Were You There
LBW #110. At the Cross, Her Station Keeping
LBW #112/3. Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes
LBW #114. There Is a Green Hill Far Away
LBW #344. We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
Various Hymnals Hark! the Voice of Love and Mercy*
Various Hymnals Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone
Various Hymnals The Old Rugged Cross
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Contains “Alleluia”

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #734. God, Whose Farm Is All Creation
ELW #450. I Bind unto Myself Today
ELW #744. Lord, Be Glorified
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
LBW #124/5. The Royal Banners Forward Go
WOV #631. Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
Various Hymnals The King of Glory Comes
Various Hymnals Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Various Hymnals Psalm 24
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Savior Of The World” By Ben Cantelon.
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.

We pray for all leaders of the church: for Bishops and Pastors, Deacons and Elders, Councils and Teachers; may they loudly proclaim the glory and reign of our Crucified King. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation: for fields and streams, mountains and plains, oceans and seas; may the coming seasons bring an abundant harvest that all may share. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations of the world: for democracies and republics, for kingdoms and principalities, for theocracies and autocracies; may your peace and justice cover all lands and peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who commit violence against others: for thieves and bandits, for murderers and rapists, for abusers and liars; may they come to repentance and seek paths of reconciliation and righteousness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the grip of disease: for those dealing with cancer or other chronic illnesses, for those who are paralyzed or unresponsive, for those about to undergo surgery and those recovering from surgery; may your healing power flow through all who work for their wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for those faithful witnesses who have gone before: for Sunday school teachers and pastors, for parents and parental figures, for saints and martyrs; may we join in that long line of witnesses as well. 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.