Palm Sunday, 05 April 2020

Palm Sunday invites us to pass from anguish to hope, from fear to self-sacrifice. This, step by step we advance towards the truth of Easter.
In these trying days, we become aware, sorrowfully, of our limitations and fragility.
However, let there be no doubt: what Jesus said yesterday to Saint Paul, He says today to all of us:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Hosanna Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest (Lord We lift up your name)”
– Christian Fellowship Church Qatar

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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“Israel: Jerusalem: Palm Sunday Parade” – AP

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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT)

Have the Attitude of Christ

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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“Way Maker” -Leeland

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Intercessions:

Sovereign God: You sent your Son into the world to save us. Come to us now, in this our time of need. We pray especially –

+ For all believers pondering the events of Holy Week…. Lord, renew us.
+ For the Jewish people, in preparation for Passover…. Lord, redeem them.
+ For those suffering the effects of the viral pandemic…. Lord, help them.
+ For those suffering the effects of war and violence…. Lord, deliver them.
+ For those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit…. Lord, heal them.
+ For all who are lost, in bondage to sin and death…. Lord, rescue them.

Compassionate God: In the death and resurrection of Jesus you have shown your love for us. Hear our prayers and grant them, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Psalm 118 – Robbie Seay Band

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Benediction: Philippians 2:5 (AMP)

Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus
[look to Him as your example in selfless humility].

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen