Palm Sunday Worship Service
CALL TO WORSHIP
Today is Palm Sunday. The Lord entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd, but his steps were a quiet procession toward suffering.
As we wave our palm branches, we lift up our hearts to welcome him. What matters more than praise is the quiet decision to follow him.
May our worship today not be loud with words, but deep with sincerity. “Hosanna!” May this cry be our true confession of faith to the Lord.
OPENING HYMN
“All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
PROCESSION OF THE PALMS
A representative group from the congregation enters, waving palm branches and crying out, “Hosanna!” They place the branches before the altar.
Leader: “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9)
People: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna! Save us, Lord!”
RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE
Leader: Lord, today we remember your entry into Jerusalem. Amid the cheering crowds, we see reflections of ourselves.
People: Lord, search our hearts and know us.
Leader: Today we cry, “Hosanna,” but tomorrow we may be swayed by the cry, “Crucify him.” We confess our weakness.
People: Lord, forgive our frailty.
Leader: Within us dwell both praise and fear, commitment and hesitation, truth and pretense. We confess this tension within.
People: Lord, make us true disciples.
Leader: As we welcome the Lord who comes in quietness, grant us the courage to follow his path.
People: May your way become our way.
Leader: We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9 Psalm: Psalm 118:19–29 Gospel: Mark 11:1–11
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
RESPONSE AND PRAYER
The leader gently places the palm branch from the altar onto the ground as an act of surrender and commitment.
Leader: Now, let us lay down our palm branches.
Place your confession upon them. Step into the path of Christ.
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”
SENDING AND BENEDICTION
The palm branch is not a symbol of celebration, but of commitment. The crowd welcomed Jesus, expecting miracles, but he changed the world through suffering and love.
May your footsteps quietly follow after his.
Walk toward the cross.
Beyond it, life awaits.
Remain in peace.
And walk forward.
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit go with you and guide you always. Amen.
