Resources for Passion / Palm Sunday - Presbyterian Church

[Pages:13]Resources for Passion / Palm Sunday

References to additional resources in the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (BCW) are provided at the right-hand margin. Prayers and other texts marked DPG are by David Gambrell.

------ Gathering ------

Consider leading the Call to Worship from the back of the worship space (that is, near the main entrance) with those who will participate in the procession (children and other worship leaders). A child may lead the Call to Worship and Opening Prayer.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Give thanks to the Lord, who is good; God's steadfast love endures forever!

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; let the faithful come and worship God.

Psalm 118:1, 19-20 see also BCW 252

OPENING PRAYER

BCW 253

PROCLAMATION OF THE ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM

Luke 19:29-40

You might proclaim the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem in four stages, as indicated below, making your way through the worship space toward the chancel. The parts may be assigned to different readers (including children), or to one leader. You may end each reading by saying responsively, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." The verses of the processional hymn or psalm that follows can be woven into the reading.

(1) When [Jesus] had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ,,Why are you untying it? just say this, ,,The Lord needs it.

(2) So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.

(3) As [Jesus] rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"

(4) Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

PROCESSIONAL HYMN OR PSALM

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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God Most High, gracious and glorious, blessed is the one who comes in your name. Lead us now on the road to the cross. May we follow with faithfulness and joy, shouting hosanna in the highest heaven; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

or

Blessed are you, Holy God, for in Jesus Christ you came to rule in our lives, not as a king, but as a humble servant, riding on a donkey. Enter into our hearts this day with your glory, that we may greet you with shouts of praise; through Christ, our Sovereign and Savior. Amen.

DPG see also BCW 254

DPG

CALL TO CONFESSION

Standing at the baptismal font, the minister speaks these words as a gracious invitation for all to reflect on their lives, to repent of their sins, and to receive God's abundant mercy and love.

The Lord GOD helps us; therefore we have not been disgraced. We know that we shall not be put to shame; our redeemer is near! If it is the Lord GOD who helps us, who will declare us guilty?

Isaiah 50:7-9a

With confidence in Gods redeeming love, let us confess our sin.

CONFESSION OF SIN

A time of silence for personal confession may be provided before, during, or after the prayer of confession.

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth.

BCW 236

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

Still standing at the baptismal font, the minister speaks these words with confidence and joy. At this sign *, pour water generously, slowly, visibly, and audibly into the font.

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,

Phil. 2:5-11

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* but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Friends, hear and believe the good news of the gospel: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

The sharing of signs of peace and reconciliation in Christ may follow.

------ The Word ------

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Holy One, our strength in suffering and our hope for salvation, lift up your Word of life and pour out your Spirit of grace so that we may follow faithfully on the way to the cross; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DPG see also BCW 254

FIRST READING

Isaiah 50:4-9a

PSALM

Psalm 31:9-16

SECOND READING

Philippians 2:5-11

GOSPEL READING

Luke 22:14--23:56 or Luke 23:1-49

A four-part choral reading of the gospel lesson is provided below in the appendix. The Companion to the Book of Common Worship also has an outline for readings in a lessons and hymns format (pages 125-126).

SILENT REFLECTION AND/OR SERMON

It is appropriate to let the reading of scripture stand alone as the proclamation of the word in this service. A time of silent reflection allows for contemplation of the scriptures.

HYMN

CREED OR AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The creed or affirmation of faith is an optional part of this service.

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

BCW 266-267

------ The Eucharist ------

OFFERING

INVITATION TO THE LORDS TABLE BCW 256

If the Lord's Supper is not celebrated:

GREAT THANKSGIVING BCW 256-259

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING BCW 264

LORDS PRAYER

LORDS PRAYER

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION BCW 262

HYMN, PSALM, OR SPIRITUAL BLESSING AND CHARGE

------ Sending ------

BCW 263

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Appendix: A Choral Reading of Luke 22:14--23:56 for Four Voices

VOICE ONE: A reading from the Gospel according to Luke.

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them,

VOICE TWO:

"I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

VOICE ONE: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said,

VOICE TWO:

"Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

VOICE ONE:

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,

VOICE TWO:

"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

VOICE ONE: And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying,

VOICE TWO:

"This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!"

VOICE ONE:

Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them,

VOICE TWO:

"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I

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confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

VOICE ONE: And he said to him,

VOICE THREE: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!"

VOICE ONE: Jesus said,

VOICE TWO:

"I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."

VOICE ONE: He said to them,

VOICE TWO:

"When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?"

VOICE ONE: They said,

VOICE THREE: "No, not a thing."

VOICE ONE: He said to them,

VOICE TWO:

"But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled."

VOICE ONE: They said,

VOICE THREE: "Lord, look, here are two swords."

VOICE ONE: He replied,

VOICE TWO: "It is enough."

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VOICE ONE:

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them,

VOICE TWO: "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

VOICE ONE:

Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed,

VOICE TWO:

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done."

VOICE ONE:

Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them,

VOICE TWO:

"Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

VOICE ONE:

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him,

VOICE TWO:

"Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?"

VOICE ONE:

When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked,

VOICE THREE: "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"

VOICE ONE:

Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said,

VOICE TWO: "No more of this!"

VOICE ONE:

And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him,

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VOICE TWO:

"Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!"

VOICE ONE:

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servantgirl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said,

VOICE FOUR: "This man also was with him."

VOICE ONE: But he denied it, saying,

VOICE THREE: "Woman, I do not know him."

VOICE ONE: A little later someone else, on seeing him, said,

VOICE FOUR: "You also are one of them."

VOICE ONE: But Peter said,

VOICE THREE: "Man, I am not!"

VOICE ONE: Then about an hour later still another kept insisting,

VOICE FOUR: "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean."

VOICE ONE: But Peter said,

VOICE THREE: "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!"

VOICE ONE:

At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him,

VOICE FOUR: "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?"

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