A Prayer for Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is significant because it marks the beginning of Holy Week, that very important day when Jesus began His journey toward the cross.

Yet often, maybe in the midst of busy lives, or in the flurry of activity around the upcoming Easter holiday, the significance of this special day might get missed.

God’s Word reminds us how there’s such great meaning in every part of Christ’s story, all directing us towards our need for a Savior…

In each of the gospels, we find the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, then laid them out on the ground before Him as He rode into the city. The palm branch is known to represent goodness and victory, symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over sin and death.

But no one knew the full story then. They had no idea what would soon transpire…

They just knew, at that moment, on that day, they longed to give worship and praise to Jesus.

“A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” Matthew 21:8-10

The whole city was “stirred,” they were “shaken.” I can almost imagine the energy of the moment, voices cheering and shouting, people trying to see through the crowds, just who it was that was coming through that day.

As they called out, “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King. That word means “to save now,” and though in their own minds they eagerly waited for an earthly king, God had a different plan in store. He was providing a way to set us free…eternally.

This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and victory, we too are more than conquerors, and set free through Him.

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your Son and paving the way for our lives to be set free through Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you for what this day stands for – the beginning of Holy Week, the start of the journey towards the power of the cross, the victory of the Resurrection, and the rich truth that Jesus truly is our King of Kings.

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…”

We give you praise and honor for your ways are righteous and true. We give you worship for you are holy and just. We will declare that your love stands firm forever. For your lovingkindness endures forever.

Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem. Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you that your face is towards the righteous, and you hear our prayers, and know our hearts. Help us to stay strong and true to you. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds, but to press in close to you, to hear your whispers, and seek after you alone.

We praise you, we bless you Lord! Thank you that you reign supreme and we are more than conquerors through the gift of Christ!

In the Mighty Name of Jesus,

Amen.

(This prayer also appears at http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/a-prayer-for-palm-sunday-blessed-is-he.html)