PALM SUNDAY IS THE FINAL SUNDAY OF LENT, BEGINS HOLY WEEK, AND CELEBRATES THE TRIUMPHANT ARRIVAL OF CHRIST IN JERUSALEM, DAYS BEFORE HE WAS CRUCIFIED.
As the world struggles with the Coronavirus, we remember and honor the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. This is a time of worldwide mourning and grief as humanity faces the pandemic. On this day we receive comfort from the coming of the Son of David to Jerusalem. He neared the end of His messianic journey on Palm Sunday. Within the next week Jesus was to conquer both sin and death. He also opened the way into heaven for all of us.
Due to the pandemic and lockdown, public processions with palm fronds are not possible. In the absence of palm fronds, why then, place your heart down before the Lord, the King, with loving respect.
GREETING
Priest; "Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel!"
Priest; "Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel!"
Congregation; "Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!"
CALL TO WORSHIP
Priest; "The Lord be with you"
Congregation: "And also with you."
Together; "This day Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem, and was proclaimed King by those who spread their garments and palm branches along His way."
ENTRANCE HYMN
HOSANNA
HOSANNA
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
King of Israel, welcome to our hearts,
here to reign in righteousness.
Oh Ruler of the world,
Ruler of our hearts,
Now ascend Your Throne.
You are the King of kings,
Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
To Jerusalem, to the sons of man.
Riding on in gentle strength,
Oh, come to save Your own,
come to give Your Life,
The Kingdom is at hand.
You are the King of kings,
Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
King of Israel, welcome to our hearts,
here to reign in righteousness.
Oh Ruler of the world,
Ruler of our hearts,
Now ascend Your Throne.
You are the King of kings,
Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Blessed is He Who comes
in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Reading:
Luke Chapter 19, verses 28 to 40
Jesus comes to Jerusalem as King
After Jesus had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you untying it?" say, "The Lord needs it."
Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as He had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
They replied, "The Lord needs it."
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As He went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
"Blessed is the King Who comes in the Name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!"
"I tell you," He replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
WORDS OF COMFORT
The reality of everyday life within the pandemic has affected everyone. The virus is no respecter of persons, whatever their age or status in life. To those grieving after the loss of a loved one, or who are struggling with the illness, life has offered the most bitter cup possible. The comfort we receive on Palm Sunday is that Our Lord Jesus Christ knew the difficulties we face on earth. The Saviour knew our suffering and our problems. He came to earth to overcome this state of events, He came to bring hope. No matter how dreadful the situation, how fearful the prognosis, Jesus Christ has triumphed over sin and death. He has promised us that, although we do not have heaven on earth, we will certainly obtain the joys of heaven in the next - and our loved ones with us.
Let us turn with faith and trust to Jesus and give Him the love of our hearts as our palm fronds. Let us ask Him to comfort and strengthen us at this difficult time. As healthcare personnel confront the pandemic, leaders make wise decisions (some suffering ill-health themselves or in their families) - priests face empty churches and struggle to find ways to tend their flock - sufferers courageously confront the virus - families and friends assist wherever feasible - security personnel try to keep society safe - let us know that, whatever the difficulties, Jesus Christ truly is the Ruler over all. This pandemic will come to an end: the illness will be triumphed over. Through it all, we can face our hereafter (whether soon or in later years) with joy and peace knowing that we will be forever happy with Jesus, the King of kings.
PRAYER
Priest; "You are the ultimate Healer, Father, we come before You to pray for those infected by this virus. We pray not only for their healing, but for them to be comforted while they heal. We pray for those who have passed from this world to stand before Your Throne. We pray, too, for those risking their lives to assist those who are suffering. Lord, we know without a doubt that You are the King of kings. We pray that the coronavirus may be overcome, and that You grant a period of healing to our world, Amen."
You: "We pray for our brothers and sisters, Lord. Heal us in our need."
HOLY EUCHARIST
Priest: "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it. He gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
You: "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."
Priest: "At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying: "Take, all of you, and drink: this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me."
You: "Lord Jesus, You are the cup of Life, the wine that is blessed for our salvation."
(Make a spiritual communion, receiving the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer.)
Good Shepherd Church is at night vigil for your intentions. Why not turn to the Lord in prayer and lay your burdens before Him? If you wish to make confession to the Lord, the Chapel of Repentance is available at the following link:
If you wish to give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, visit the following link:
LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; "Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us."
Priest and you: "Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
forever and ever, Amen."
PRAYER
Priest; "Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for sending us Your only Son, Jesus Christ. We are thankful for the coming of our Messiah to Jerusalem. Strengthen us at this time of trouble, assist us in our endeavours, give us courage to face these times knowing that they will end. Help us to reflect the power of discipleship in our daily lives. Help us to become like the Son of David, kindly in our hearts, pure in our lives, devoted in our worship and heart. Amen."
You: "Amen."
BLESSING OVER THE WORLD
Priest; "And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever,"
You: "Amen."
FINAL HYMN
HE WILL CARRY YOU
HE WILL CARRY YOU
There is no problem too big,
God cannot solve it,
There is no mountain too tall
God cannot move it.
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it.
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it.
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His Shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His SHoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you.
He said, "Come unto me all you who are weary,
And I will give you rest."
There is no problem too big,
God cannot solve it,
There is no mountain too tall
God cannot move it.
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it.
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it.
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His Shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His SHoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you.
With thanks to Youtube
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