A short service for Palm Sunday

A short service for Palm Sunday

Sunday 5th April 2020
(Hymn numbers refer to Songs of Fellowship) 

Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures for ever.

Hymn 485 Ride on, ride on in majesty 
(or 627 Hosanna to the Son of David)

Pray
Gracious God,
Your love endures forever.
Whatever happens, you are always right here for us, close at hand, within calling distance.
Thank you 

Read Matthew 21, v1-11
Jesus rides into Jerusalem

This story puts me in mind of two distinct groups of people.
They are Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the NHS volunteers in this covid-19 crisis.

1. Like NHS volunteers and staff, Jesus makes a selfless, eyes-wide-open, courageous, self-sacrificial choice. Despite the risk, he goes.
2. If you think the XR folk are radical and extreme, they have nothing on this story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. It is an action aimed at changing the world. And it does.

When danger threatens, do I run away or go to help? I'm in awe of people like the White Helmets rescuers in Syria and Medicins sans Frontieres, and RNLI lifeboat crew.

Reflect  
Take a moment to reflect on today's reading in Matthew 21. What is Jesus doing?

Pray
Lord Jesus, you went all the way for us. It is difficult to take in. So often we fail because our love does not stretch far enough! Forgive us. Thank you for your love and understanding, your forgiveness and your patience

Pray for:
people and governments
communities, families and friends
God's people here and all around the world

Hymn 411 O for a heart to praise my God

In conclusion, let's share together in the Lord's Prayer
(You can find the Lord's Prayer on the Virtual Church page of this website)