Mar 16, 2008 - Palm Sunday
Lenten Reading—The Palm Branches
Leader: We place at the cross today the palm branches
that welcomed Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem.
The crowd shouting, “Hosanna!” expected to be saved
by a conquering hero.
They wanted deliverance from the power of the Romans.
He came to deliver us all from our addiction to power.
Congregation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.
We cry for you to show your power and deliverance now.
You show us humility, and obedience to God.
Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross,
refusing to take up our own and follow you.
Have mercy on us.
Leader: Palm Sunday is about worship.
But the crowd turned it into a political parade.
The heroes of our world ride in pomp and power.
We hesitate to follow leaders who empty themselves of power,
and ride on donkeys.
Congregation: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.
We confess that we too prefer conquering heroes.
We want proof of God’s great power;
you prove to us God’s great love.
Absorbed by self, we again place you on the cross,
refusing to take up our own and follow you.
Have mercy on us.
Leader: Let us pray together...
ALL: Almighty God, whose glory it is always to have mercy:
Burn our palm branches of power
into the ashes of repentance.
Free us from the self-absorption of sin.
Forgive the ways we continue to place Jesus on the cross.
Form in us his very character--
his humility,
his service,
his forgiveness,
his sacrificial love—
Through Your mighty resurrection power! Amen.
Copyright 2008 Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene.
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