Say together: Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
Song| Rejoice the Lord is King
Confession and Forgiveness
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1: 9)
Pray together:
Jesus rode into Jerusalem not as a conquering king but in humility, the Servant King, ready to complete the task for which he had walked this world. Forgive us those times when we think too highly of ourselves and remind us always that you ask from us lives dedicated to service, to you and to our neighbours, wherever and whoever they might be. Enable us to take off our cloaks of self-righteousness and lay them down at your feet.
‘Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.’
Pray the Lord’s Prayer together:
Our Father…
Prayers of Intercession | Jill Simmons
On this Palm Sunday, we want to be among those who still welcome you with Hosanna’s and praise to our King. Only You knew, on that road to Jerusalem, the suffering and rejection You would endure; because of Your crucifixion, death, and resurrection, You paid the price for our transgressions and bought us freedom and new life and we rejoice in our inheritance.
In the name of Jesus. Amen
God our Father, during this time of confusion and uncertainty in our Nation and Globally. We pray that we may be assured of the truth of Your Word and claim Your Promises. We pray that many will be drawn to Your saving grace as people have ‘time’ to BE – a break from the busyness in many lives and that people will ‘connect’ with You, re-evaluate priorities in their families, homes and work.
May God’s love and Fatherly goodness change lives. Amen
Lord Jesus, We pray that You would comfort all who mourn, that You will bless and protect NHS staff working in stressful situations, that You would give Your wisdom to our government, medical and scientific personnel to make best decisions and that the economic situation affecting many, will be sorted. We pray that each of us will play our part in whatever way we are able, especially among our community.
Lord, we ask that you would look with favour on those in less developed countries, suffering far more than us. May they receive aid and be strengthened by the power of Your love.
Only You Lord know the end from the beginning. Amen
May we focus on God’s Word,
be willing to learn from it,
be disciplined and obedient to it,
have a deeper understanding of the Power of the Holy Spirit
May it shape our lives as we read it every day.
To the glory of God our Saviour. Amen
2nd Reading Matthew 21: 1-11
Sermon|Mark Smee
Blessing
May the Spirit,
who strengthens us to suffer with Christ
that we may share his glory,
set your minds on life and peace.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.