This is the Day

In Awe of Grace

Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A

This is the day that the Lord has made. For us. Because of us. It could be argued that out of all these high and holy days, this one is the most … human. “Well, of course,” you might think. This week is a divine and human encounter; in fact, we might argue it is THE divine and human encounter. This is true; but hear me out. This day, this slash day, this Palm/Passion Day is the most human day of this whole event.

Every day is a holy day if you live into the truth of the ever-present God. Every moment is a moment rich with possibility and hope; every relationship is a potential insight into the activity of the Spirit; every conversation, a living word of grace and peace. “Best of all,” John Wesley supposedly said as his last words, “God is with us.” Amen.

Palm/Passion Sunday is technically the end of the season of Lent and is usually included in the Lenten worship series. This year, however, we decided to put together this short series to shepherd us through this roller coaster of a week, attempting to touch on the highs and the lows and ever-present redeeming grace of God. While we didn’t include services for the Monday through Wednesday of Holy Week, it would be easy to do so. Carry through the sense of wonder and amazement; walk with Jesus in the last week of his incarnated and earthly life. Read the story and then bow in wonder, reflect in awe, corporately or individually. Give your congregation guides to prayer for them to use at home or call them together to worship on bended knee. But we invite reflection and prayer, confession, and thanksgiving for this amazing week. Invite your congregation this Holy Week and Easter to stand in awe of grace.

Following are suggestions for this high, holy time of the church year. You know your context best, so choose those songs that will bring comfort but also challenge people to look deeper at their faith and spiritual journey.

Abbreviations:

  • TFWS: The Faith We Sing
  • UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal
  • W&S: Worship and Song

Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A

  • All Glory, Laud, and Honor UMH 280
  • We Sang Our Glad Hosannas TFWS 2111
  • Who Is He Who Comes in Triumph W&S 3082
  • Blessed Be the Name of the Lord TFWS 2034
  • Heleluyan, Heleluyan UMH 78
  • Mantos y Palmas UMH 279

In This Series...


Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Maundy Thursday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Good Friday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Holy Saturday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Easter Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes

Colors


  • Red
  • Purple

In This Series...


Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Maundy Thursday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Good Friday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Holy Saturday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Easter Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes