Palm/Passion Sunday

COLOR: Purple
PALM SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Mark 11:1-11
PASSION SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47)

THEME IDEAS

From passion to promise, Holy Week takes us through a long and arduous journey. Oddly enough, we begin with palms—promises of life and hope—even as we prepare to endure the agony of betrayal, despair, and death.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Mark 11, Psalm 118)

This day is the Lord’s, created for joy.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Hosanna to Christ, the blessed child of God.
Hosanna to God in the highest!
Blessed is the one who comes in God’s name.
Hosanna to God in the highest!
This day is the Lord’s, created for love.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Opening Prayer (Psalm 118, Philippians 2)

God of grace and glory,
blessed is your Son, Christ Jesus,
and blessed is your holy name.
As we bless your name and sing with joy,
awaken our ears to hear your word;
awaken our hearts to listen for your wisdom.
As we rejoice in this day that you have made,
help us hear even the hard news
of Christ’s suffering and death.
As we celebrate your presence with palms and praises,
guide us to live your teachings,
even when the path is painful and difficult.
May your presence flow through us
into your world.
In the name of your Son, Christ Jesus, we pray.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Call to Confession (Philippians 2)

At the name of Jesus, may every knee bend, every tongue confess, and every soul trust that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of us all. In trust and hope, let us confess our sins before God.

Prayer of Confession (Psalm 31, Mark 14–15)

Gracious God,
you know our every sorrow,
our every need.
Hear us as we remember the times
when our strength failed us,
when our distress led us onto paths
of hopelessness and despair.
Forgive us when we betray you,
when we deny you,
when we deride you, or mock you.
Awaken in us a new resolve
to be aware of your call
and presence in our lives.
Help us stay awake,
even when the days are hard
and the nights are long.
Strengthen us to trust in you
and to walk with you,
even on this path to the cross.
Let your face shine upon us,
that we may know your steadfast love
and trust in your resurrection promises.
In Christ’s name, we pray.

Words of Assurance (Psalm 31, Philippians 2)

Know that the Lord is God,
and that Christ’s face shines upon us
even when we turn away from God’s brightness.
Walk in the light, dear friends.
Gaze upon the Son and know that in the name of Christ,
we are forgiven!

Passing the Peace of Christ

As forgiven children of God, let us share together the peace of Christ’s love in our lives.

Words of Preparation (Philippians 2)

As we hear the word, let our minds be of one mind in Christ Jesus. Let us empty ourselves, and with humility and grace listen for the word of God as the Spirit speaks to us this day.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering (Mark 14)

Remembering Mary of Bethany, we come now to pour out our gifts to God. May we remember that the poor are with us still, that our kindness and generosity are needed, even now. May we remember Christ in each face of need, in each cry for help, in each yearning for grace. May we offer our alabaster jars, the gift of our very selves. May we open ourselves and pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit, living with us, that our gifts may flow with blessing and joy to a world in need.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Mark 15)

Christ is going before us, even now,
on the road to the cross.
Christ goes before us as the way,
the truth, and the life.
Let us feel the light of his love,
even as we enter the darkness
of this Holy Week.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Mark 11, Psalm 118)

Give thanks to the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
For God is good.
Hosanna in the highest!
Christ’s steadfast love remains forever.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!

Praise Sentences (Psalm 118)

This is the day!
This is the day!
That the Lord has made!
That the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice!
Let us rejoice!
And be glad in it!
And be glad in it!

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Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press
The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012 is available now.