THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION, YEAR B
Palm Sunday

2018 - 25 March
2021 - 28 March
2024 - 24 March
2027 - 21 March
2030 - 14 April
2033 - 10 April
2036 - 06 April

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Holy Week' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

THEMES OF THE DAY
As the double name (and the two sets of readings) suggest, this Sunday has a double theme. 

One (and the oldest) theme for the service on this Sunday is the passion of Jesus. In a way similar to the service on Good Friday, the service for Passion Sunday focuses on the suffering and death of Jesus. The central focus of the service is the reading of the long gospel, usually the entire passion narrative of the gospel for the year (for year B, the Gospel of Mark). Drama may be added by using three or more readers to read this narrative. The first and second readings, and the accompanying psalm, reflect this emphasis.

The other theme for this Sunday is Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the Sunday before his death. In Jerusalem in the late fourth century, pilgrims gathered on Sunday afternoon on the Mount of Olives for the reading from the gospel of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Then, while singing hymns and psalms, they carried palm or olive branches down into Jerusalem in procession. In the Western church, this ceremony was added onto the beginning of the eucharist for Passion Sunday. In Lutheran practice, following late medieval piety, the focus on the Sunday in Holy Week became almost predominantly Palm Sunday. 

It is important to note that the readings given by the Revised Common Lectionary are intended to be used in the following way:
*	The Palm Sunday gospel and psalm are used for the palm procession and/or entry into the church
*	The Passion Sunday readings, psalm and gospel are for use in the service itself.

It is possible to omit the palm procession, and to use the Palm Sunday psalm and gospel in the service itself instead of the Passion psalm and gospel, but this may result in a rather odd mixture of triumphant jubilation and sorrowful reflection. When we observe the separation of the two themes, the day appropriately begins in shouts of joy, but ends in silence.

PROCESSION WITH PALMS (including reading of Palm gospel)

NOTES
1.	Palm branches are traditionally used for this ceremony, but it is not necessary that the branches actually be palm branches. Only the Gospel of John actually mentions palms. Ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem also used olive branches. Other local branches, such as eucalypt or ferntree branches, may be more appropriate. While most Lutheran congregations have traditionally decorated the church with palms for this day, it is good if the congregation can participate more actively by carrying branches in procession. The branches should be cut in lengths that make them easy to hold in one hand and be distributed to as many members as possible, but certainly to all of the children. 

2.	The length of the procession depends on local conditions and whatever the congregation feels is desirable. The congregation gathers outside the church (or in some other designated place) for the reading of the Palm Sunday gospel, prayer, and the distribution of branches. Then they may proceed either
*	into the church
*	around the church
*	around the block (this is a public statement of faith)
*	or, if it is raining, around the inside of the church.

3.	A processional cross, or another large cross (eg the cross that is used in the Good Friday service) may be carried at the head of the procession.

4.	The people may sing songs, hymns or psalms during the procession. An important hint: a very long line tends to form even with only a small congregation. If singing is desired, either the lead singer needs a loud hailer, or a very loud percussion instrument, such as a drum or group of tambourines, will be needed to keep everyone in time.

5.	As the procession enters the church, worshippers may be invited to place their branches in the sanctuary or around the altar. They may then take their place for the beginning of the service.

6.	Keep some of the branches to use for making the ashes for next year's Ash Wednesday service.

A POSSIBLE RITE FOR THE PROCESSION
The following rite may be used to begin the procession with palms. See below for a shorter rite (not involving an actual procession).

The congregation assembles where the palms have been placed. The minister addresses the congregation in these or similar words:
Friends in Christ: 
For the five weeks of Lent 
we have been preparing 
for the celebration of our Lord's suffering and death. 
Today, together with the whole church, 
we begin this Holy Week by welcoming our Messiah. 
We read in the gospel of John: 
He came to what was his own, 
and his own people did not accept him. 
But to all who received him, 
who believed in his name, 
he gave power to become children of God. 
(John 1:11,12 NRSV)
So, like the people of long ago, 
let us welcome Jesus 
and walk with him to the cross.

The following response may be said.
If we have been united with him in a death like his, 
we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.  
(Rom 6:5)

The minister says this prayer. The sign of the cross may be made over the branches.
The Lord be with you :
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, as we honour Christ the King 
by carrying these + branches today, 
increase our faith 
and listen to our prayers, 
so that we may honour you every day, 
by living always in him. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

The minister, or an assisting minister, reads the gospel.
EITHER
Mar11:1-11 Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
(Substitute 'Jesus and his disciples' for 'they' in verse 1)
OR
John 12:12-19 Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Psalm 118:1,2,19-29 may be sung or said.
Antiphon: 
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. 
(Ps 118:26 NRSV)

The branches are distributed. The minister may say:
Let us go forward in peace.

The hymn 'All glory, praise and honour' (as at LH 86, or more preferably TIS 333) or other songs may be sung either during the procession or before the procession begins (see below under 'Hymns and songs' for suggestions).

After completing the route, the procession enters the church and the branches are placed around the sanctuary. The people take their places. 

A SHORTER RITE (WITHOUT PROCESSION)
This shorter rite may be used after or instead of the confession and absolution.

Friends in Christ: 
For the five weeks of Lent 
we have been preparing 
for the celebration of our Lord's suffering and death. 
Today, together with the whole church, 
we begin this holy week by welcoming our Messiah. 
So, like the people of long ago, 
let us welcome Jesus 
and follow him to the cross.

The minister says this prayer.
Let us pray.
Lord, as we remember how Christ the King 
entered Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts, 
increase our faith 
and listen to our prayers, 
so that we may praise you every day, 
by living always in him. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

The minister, or an assisting minister, reads the gospel.
EITHER
Mar11:1-11 Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
(Substitute 'Jesus and his disciples' for 'they' in verse 1)
OR
John 12:12-19 Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Psalm 118:1,2,19-29 may be sung or said.
Antiphon: 
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.  
(Ps 118:26 NRSV)

The hymn 'All glory, praise and honour' (as at LH 86, or more preferably TIS 333) or other songs commemorating the palm entrance may be sung (see below under 'Hymns and songs' for suggestions).

The service continues with the 'Lord, have mercy'.

LITURGY OF THE PASSION

STRUCTURING THE SERVICE
There are a number of options for continuing the service after the procession. Given the length which the service can assume on this day (particularly if the long Passion gospel is used), the best practice may be:

*	Omit the confession and absolution (individual absolution may be given on Maundy Thursday)
*	Omit the entrance hymn or song (unless a song has not been sung as part of the procession, in which case a song with the theme of the palm entrance should be sung at this point)
*	Begin with the 'Lord, have mercy'
*	Continue with the greeting and the prayer of the day, followed by the readings.

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

The hour has come 
for the Son of Man to be glorified.  (John 12:23)

OR
The Lamb who was killed is worthy 
to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honour, glory and praise!  (Rev 5:12 TEV)

OR
If we have been united with him in a death like his, 
we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.  
(Rom 6:5 NRSV)

OR (suitable only for use at the beginning of the service)
Your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, 
gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  
(Zech 9:9 NIV)

OR, use the standard Holy Week Sentence in the document 'Holy Week', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
Almighty and eternal God, 
since you sent your Son, 
our Saviour, Jesus Christ, 
to take our nature upon himself, 
and to suffer death upon the cross: 
Mercifully grant 
that we may patiently follow 
the example of his great humility, 
and share in his resurrection; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Almighty and eternal God, 
you sent your Son, our Saviour, 
to take our nature on himself 
and to suffer and die on the cross. 
Lead us to follow 
the example of his great humility, 
and bring us to share in his resurrection. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray for humility. [silence])
Loving Father of all, 
your only Son came as a servant 
and was obedient 
all the way to his death on the cross. 
Make us humble like Christ, 
and bring us to be with him in his glory. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING
Isaiah 50:4-9a The obedience of the Lord's servant

PSALM 
Psalm 31:9-16
Antiphon: 
Into your hands I commit my spirit.  (Ps 31:5a NRSV)

SECOND READING
Philippians 2:5-11 Christ - obedient servant and exalted Lord

VERSE
Christ 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.  (Phil 2:8,9 NRSV)

OR, if the palm gospel is used as the main gospel of the day:
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor, David! 
(Mark 11:9b,10a NRSV)

GOSPEL
Mark 14:1 - 15:47 Jesus' suffering and death

OR, a shorter version:
Mark 15:1-39(40-47) Jesus' suffering and death

Note: The psalm and gospel for the palm procession may be used instead of the psalm and gospel given above if they are not used at the beginning of the service. However, it should be noted that these do not fit very well with the readings from Isaiah and Philippians.

Note also that it is traditional to read the long gospel on Passion Sunday in parts with at least three readers. See the document 'Passion according to St Mark' in the 'Rites and services' folder.

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ (, Lamb of God).
Thank you, Lord Jesus, 
for suffering and dying for us. 
Remember us and save us. 
Amen.

OR, for the Palm gospel only:
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as a gentle king, 
in God's name. 
May we always praise and worship you. 
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Thank you, loving Father, 
that your Son was obedient all the way to the cross, 
and suffered and died for us. 
Make us humble and self-giving, 
serving others as he served us. 
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Our great high priest, Jesus Christ, has entered into God's presence by the means of his own blood. Let us pray in his name for the whole people of God and for all people according to their needs.

The regular response, OR:
For the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who gave his life for us.

Suggested intercessions
*	for a fearless witness to the cross of Christ
*	for all who will worship this week here and throughout the world
*	for those who will be baptised or confirmed at Easter
*	for the world, that it may receive the one who comes in the name of the Lord
*	for the rulers of the world
*	for the courts of our land, for judges, magistrates and lawyers
*	for all who are in distress/dying/sick, that they may be strengthened by the sufferings of Christ
*	for all Christians, that they may follow the way of the cross

Concluding prayer
Father, your Son Jesus humbled himself and became obedient even to the point of death. May we find salvation in his obedient love, walk the way of the cross with him, and come with him to the resurrection. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

OR
Jesus willingly submitted to suffer in our place. Let us pray to God our Father, and place in his hands the suffering of the world. Let us say: 'Have mercy on your people, Lord' after each petition.

We pray for the church, that we may bear our cross and follow Jesus.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for those who have sinned, like Peter. 
Teach us to be sorry for our sins, and forgive us for Jesus' sake.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for prisoners and criminals like Barrabas.
May they find true freedom by changing the way they live.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for people in government, like Pilate.
May they be responsible and serve truth and justice.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for those who are dying, like the thieves who died with Jesus.
May they die with Jesus by their side, and be received into your kingdom.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for parents like Mary who have lost a child.
May they bear their suffering and know the comfort of your love.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

We pray for the whole human race, 
that we may all come to know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
This is our prayer:
have mercy on your people, Lord.

Father, may the suffering and death of Jesus lighten the burdens of all those who suffer. Lead us in the way of the cross, so that, as we suffer with Jesus, we may rise to life in his glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, the following prayer may be used as a basis for a prayer of the church 
Lord Jesus, we marvel at your humility, 
when you enter the capital city as the King, on a donkey;

we marvel that you don't make a worldly show of your power,
but you choose to win people by your humble love for them;

we marvel at the way your love reaches out to the unlovely,
as well as the popular and the rich and important people;

we marvel that you value people for who they are,
and not for where they live, 
or what they own, 
or the type of work they do.

we marvel that you allow people to turn against you 
and do their worst to you;

we marvel that in public you allow yourself to be nailed up in disgrace on a cross
to take all the blame for our sin;

we marvel that you bother to listen to us day and night as we come to you in prayer,
and we thank you for listening to us when we pray 
for those who are sick, 
(especially . . . )
those who are lonely, 
(especially . . . )
and those afraid of life.

Bless us with a humble love like yours
so that we don't need to try to impress people.

Teach us to listen to them and help them in their special needs,
as you do for us.

Bless the people who are the leaders of our country, including: 
the Queen
the prime minister (name)
the premier (name);
the Christian church leaders (name)
and the leaders in our local communities (name).

May we live in safety and help one another through the tough times ahead.
Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places 
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
On the tree of the cross he gave salvation to all, 
so that, where death began, 
there life might be restored, 
and that the enemy, 
who by a tree once overcame, 
might by a tree be overcome. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

COMMUNION INVITATION
Every time we eat this bread and drink from this cup 
we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready. 

OR
Behold the Lamb of God 
who takes away the sin of the world.
Happy are those who are called to his supper. 
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
For a Holy Week post-communion prayer, see the document 'Holy Week', under 'Prayer after communion', in the 'General and seasonal' folder. Alternatively, use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Loving Father of all, 
your only Son came as a servant 
and was obedient 
all the way to his death on the cross. 
As he has served us here at this table, 
make us humble like him, 
and bring us to be with him in his glory. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) Christ our crucified Saviour draw you to himself, 
so that you may find in him the assurance of sins forgiven 
and the gift of eternal life; . . .

DISMISSAL
Go in peace and have the same humble attitude as our Lord.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS
Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

Palm gospel: Mark 11:1-11
LHS
5	O bride of Christ, rejoice* G4
7	Come, Thou precious ransom, come G8
10	O how shall I receive Thee (vv 1,2)* G3
18	Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates* G5
62	My song is love unknown G8
86	All glory, laud and honour G5
87	Ride on, ride on in majesty (tune Winchester New, TIS 348)
733	Daughter of Zion, O rejoice G6
737	Prepare the royal highway G4
817	O Jesus Christ, to you may hymns be rising G7
AT
211	Hosanna!
328	Tell the city
335	And we stood right there (v 1)
344	The New Road (from v 5) Replace 'Alleluia' with 'Sing hosanna'
TIS
219	Jesus comes with all his grace
244	Trotting, trotting through Jerusalem
267	Lift up your heads, you mighty gates
279	The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices
333	All glory, praise and honour
336	O bride of Christ, rejoice
341	My song is love unknown
346	Prepare the royal highway
348	Ride on, ride on in majesty
353	The glory of our King was seen 
620	O Jesus Christ, may grateful hymns be rising
724	Hosanna!

First reading: Isaiah 50: 4-9a
LHS
48	Lamb of God most holy* G5
52	O sacred head, now wounded (vv 1,2,4,5)* G6
55	O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken* G4
57	A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (Pt 1)* G5
60	Christ, the life of all the living G5
62	My song is love unknown G5 (alt tune A8, G8)
70	Stricken, smitten and afflicted* G3
406	God still lives and His compassion G7
413	Why should cross and trial grieve me? (vv 1,2,5,6) G5
AT
245	You are the prisoner
347	O dearest Jesus
TIS
337	O dearest Jesus, why aren't you acquitted
339	O sacred head sore wounded
341	My song is love unknown

Second reading: Philippians 2: 5-11
LHS
11	The advent of our King G4
36	Jesus, name of wondrous love* G6
166	All hail the power of Jesus' name G8 (see also TIS tune 224(i))
174	All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine G7
239	Son of God, eternal Saviour G4
782	At the name of Jesus G7
790	O Lord of light, who made the stars (alt tune 346) G5
807	Lift high the cross GS
857	Low, the way is low GS
AT
31	Freely, freely
50	I will sing (v 5)
55	His name is wonderful
139	Christ humbled himself
157	Jesus, name above all names
190	Low, the way is low
261	The Servant King
370	You are glorious
TIS
174	Morning glory, starlit sky
218	Jesus! The name high over all
224	All hail the power of Jesus' name
225	My heart and voice I raise
231	At the name of Jesus
247	Let all be one in mind and heart
256	From heaven you came, helpless babe
271	The advent of our God
351	Lift high the cross
373	Hail, our once despised Jesus
422	Come Holy Spirit, come (vv 1,2,5,6)
448	Blest are the pure in heart
606	Son of God, eternal Saviour
746	The heavens shall declare

Gospel: Mark 14: 1 - 15:47 ( Mark 15: 1-39 (40-47) )
LHS
51	Let Thy blood in mercy poured* G5 (before holy communion)
53	Jesus, refuge of the weary* G3
55	O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken?* G4
59	Jesus, I will ponder now* G8
60	Christ, the life of all the living G5
62	My song is love unknown (final song) G5 (alt tune A8, G8)
65	Lord Jesus, we give thanks to Thee* G5 (final song)
70	Stricken, smitten and afflicted* G3
73	Go to dark Gethsemane* G5 (preparation for Holy Week)
79	Lord Jesus, when we stand afar G8 (final song)
85	According to Thy gracious word G5 (final song)
281	Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour G8 (holy communion)
285	To Thy most holy supper, Lord* G5 (holy communion)
620	O dearest Lord, Thy sacred head G6
752	A purple robe, a crown of thorns
753	Downtrodden Christ, to you we pray (final song)
754	Jesus dying on the cross GS (final song)
758	The royal banners forward go G8
759	When his time was over GS
840	Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly pray G8 (holy communion)
857	Low, the way is low GS
AT
22	He was wounded 
135	Bitter was the night
139	Christ humbled himself
143	Jesus dying on the cross (final song)
147	When his time was over
190	Low, the way is low (final song)
261	The Servant King
287	Stay here and keep watch with me (final song)
335	And we stood right there
347	O dearest Jesus
374	Always remember me
387	Jesus, remember me
449	Walk him along
TIS
256	From heaven you came
332	The royal banners forward go
337	O dearest Jesus, why aren't you acquitted
340	Before the cock crew twice
341	My song is love unknown (final song)
345	Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (omit v 6?)
352	O dearest Lord, thy sacred head 
354	O Jesus crucified
357	When his time was over
501	Sing my tongue, the Saviour's glory (holy communion)
502	Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast (holy communion)
515	According to thy gracious word (final song)
519	And now, O Father, mindful of the love (holy communion)

HYMNS AND SONGS FOR THE PROCESSION
All glory, praise and honour (LH 86, TIS 333) is the traditional hymn for the procession. Originally it was sung by a children's choir (hence the lines 'to whom the lips of children / made sweet hosannas ring') and may suitably be introduced by the children of the congregation singing the first verse. Note that the version given at LH 86 compacts the hymn by using the refrain as part of the first verse. TIS 333 uses the same music, but the first four lines of music are used, in every case, to sing the refrain.

A number of short chorus-style songs from the 'All Together' books are suitable for singing on the march. The fact that they can be sung without needing the words written down is even better. These include the following.

He is the King of kings (ATA 165)
Clap your hands (ATA 166)
King of kings and Lord of lords (ATA 162).
This is a great song for the procession, except that it contains 'Alleluias' which are not used in Lent. However, 'hosannas' can inserted instead, and with much greater relevance.

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Glory, hosanna! (repeat)
Jesus, Prince of peace, 
Glory, hosanna! (repeat)

The trees of the field (ATA 196)
Tell the city of Zion: Christ is coming (ATO 328).
This is an excellent procession song. If desired, a solo cantor can sing the verses while the people sing the chorus. Or the chorus can stand alone.

The Taize collection of chants has two suitable songs for the palm procession, both from volume I:

Hosanna filio David
Hosanna

WHEN HIS TIME WAS OVER
This song by Robin Mann (LHS 759, ATA 147, TIS 357) deserves almost hymn of the day status in our congregations on this day. It brilliantly blends both the Palm and the Passion emphases, such that it forms a lyrical bridge between the triumphant entry and the sombre notes of Holy Week. Use the hymn as a song after the palm procession to introduce the Passion theme, or use it as a closing hymn at the end of the service - then allow all to leave in silence after the final note has been sung.

'ALL TOGETHER' SONGS SUITABLE FOR PALM/PASSION SUNDAY
Select from the following songs.

For a Palm theme:
166	Clap your hands
211	Hosanna
252	He is exalted
328	Tell the city
335	And we stood right there
344	The New Road

For a Passion theme:
22	He was wounded
24	God's love (without verse 6)
27 	Lord of the Dance
67	Let your word fill my days
125	Celebration song
133	Jesus set us free (Replace 'hallelujahs' in the chorus with 'Let us praise him, let us praise him')
135	Bitter was the night
139	Christ humbled himself
143	Jesus dying on the cross
147	When his time was over
190	Low, the way is low
231	A cry in the night
235	In your hand, my Saviour
245	You are the prisoner
261	From heaven you came (Servant Song)
287	Stay here and keep watch with me
335	And we stood right there
342	Jacob struggled for a blessing
344	The New Road (especially verses 5-8; begin verse 5 with 'Sing hosanna' instead of 'Alleluia').
345	Nothing but the blood
347	O dearest Jesus
349	There is a redeemer
387	Jesus, remember me
444	Hey, King!
449	Saviour of the world

IONA SONGS SUITABLE FOR PASSION SUNDAY
One song from the Iona collection in particular must be mentioned, and that is the sung version of the second reading from Philipians 2: 'Though one with God' on page 50 of the third volume, Love from Below.

PSALM 118:1,2,19-29 
For musical settings of Psalm 118:1,2,19-29, see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8. TIS 74, Give thanks for the Lord is good, is a setting of Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23,24.

The following paraphrase of Psalm 118 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune St Denio (LHS 768, TIS 143). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

verses 1-2,14. 
Give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness and love.
'His love is forever', let Israel say:
The Lord is my strength, my salvation and might,
the homes of the righteous are filled with glad songs.

verses 19-21
So open the door of the temple to me,
and let me go in to give thanks to the Lord.
The righteous shall enter the door of the Lord.
'My saving God, thank you for hearing my prayer.'

verses 22-24
The stone that the buiders rejected is now
the chief cornerstone of the temple of God.
The Lord God has done this, a marvellous sight,
The Lord made this day, let's rejoice and be glad.

verses 25-27a
O Lord, come and save us, and give us success!
We bless you who come in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from Zion, the house of the Lord!
The Lord is our God, he has given us light.

verses 27b-29
In festal procession, with branches in hand,
we go to the altar to give thanks to God.
For you are my God, whom I thank and I praise!
Give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness and love.

PSALM 31:9-16 
For musical settings of Psalm 31:9-16, see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8.

The following paraphrase by David Schütz may be sung to the tune Von Gott will ich (Erfurt), LH 400, or Von Gott will ich (Crüger), LH 130. If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

O Lord, be gracious to me,
for I am in distress.
My eyes are sore from crying,
my soul and body too.
My life is spent in grief,
my years are spent with sighing,
I'm weak from all my troubles,
my bones all waste away.

My enemies reproach me,
my neighbours run in fear,
my friends in fright run from me,
and all who see me flee.
Forgotten like the dead,
I'm like a broken vessel.
I hear the whisp'ring schemers:
they plot to take my life.

And yet, O Lord, I trust you,
I say, 'You are my God.'
My life and times and future
all in held in your hand.
Deliver me, O Lord,
from those who seek to harm me,
and let your face shine on me,
and rescue me in love.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

(PALM GOSPEL) MARK 11:1-11: Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, knowingly going to his death. His entry to Jerusalem in the account of St Mark was to establish in the public mind his claim to messiahship. The mode of entry, seated upon a humble ass (not a militaristic steed) was in keeping with the biblical thought of a royal personage coming in peace. However, in his earthly poverty he even needed a borrowed animal to ride upon. The cries of greeting, with a royal carpet of garments, identified Jesus with the promised descendant of King David, the ruler of a kingdom which would last forever. But his kingdom very soon had to be rejected for God's plan of salvation to unfold. It is still rejected by the vast majority to this day. The Christ has died, the Christ has risen, the Christ will come again!

ISAIAH 50:4-9: This suffering servant song of Isaiah characterises a faithful prophet of the Lord who is both persecuted and hailed before court. The section portrays his life-long daily learning from the Lord, his readiness willingly to undergo spiteful, degrading and violent treatment in obedience to the Lord, and his rock-solid firmness, despite all, to trust implicitly in his ultimate public acceptance as righteous. He can therefore confidently rise above the seeming victory of his accusers. Jesus again fits the conditions of the prophecy.

PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11: St Paul uses Christ as an example of humility for the Philippian Christians. He who existed in full measure as God did not hesitate to lay aside his rights and majesty by assuming human form. This he did in order to undergo the humiliation and curse of human death, thus to serve the greatest need of humanity. After the cross, however, comes the crown. He now exercises every power, prerogative and glory of the Godhead which is his rightful due. Every knee must bow, whether in wondrous gratitude for free salvation, or in facing final judgment upon its persistent rejection. This reading conveys both the humble majesty of the entry to Jerusalem and the purposeful assumption of rejection and the sorrows of his passion.

MARK 14:1 - 15:47 or MARK 15:1-39(40-47): The Passion gospel reading can be taken either in a longer form which covers the happenings from the Passover celebration through to the death of our Lord, or in a shorter form which focuses on the trial and crucifixion. In either instance, the gospel account does not principally treat the doctrinal implications of the death of our Lord, but rather gives a historical description of the events themselves. It is left to a pagan Roman army officer to see in Jesus' death the true sonship of God.

VISUAL

PALM OR OTHER BRANCHES
It is traditional to decorate the church with palm branches on this day. However in some areas, palm branches may be difficult to find. Only John's gospel explicitly mentions 'palm' branches, so branches of other local trees are just as appropriate. 

FLOWERS
Arrangements with palm leaves and violet flowers could be used.

visuals for the READINGS
Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the Palm gospel could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for Matthew 21:9. The Passion gospel could be accompanied by a picture like the one in TEV for Mark 15:24. The illustrations in TEV for Luke 23:26 and 23:46 could also be considered.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama  resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the Palm gospel from Mark could be read (or even fully performed) by a number of readers: narrator (the pastor), Jesus, bystander, crowd. The Passion gospel could be read by various readers (see the separate document 'Passion according to St Mark' in the 'Rites and services' folder).

CHILDREN

PALM PROCESSION
Children should have a prominent participation in the palm procession. At the very least they should carry branches, but they also may be involved in distributing the branches to others, carrying the cross in front of the procession, singing songs (especially 'All glory, praise and honour'), and perhaps in acting out the palm procession gospel. If little children cannot see what is happening in the crowd, parents should be encouraged to lift them up to see. Maybe the children could be given bells, tambourines and cymbals to use in the procession.

If the congregation as a whole does not observe the palm procession, the children may do the procession into the church at the beginning of the service (with the minister(s)). 

PALM CROSSES
Palm crosses can be made by the children and distributed to the members of the congregation after the service. Directions for making these crosses from palm fronds may be found under Passion (Palm) Sunday on page 151 of the Upper Level Leaders Guide of Come and See Jesus (year A).

Even if crosses are not made, the children may be given pieces of the palms to take home with them. In Eastern churches the practice is to place these palms behind the crosses and sacred pictures they have hanging on the walls of their rooms.

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

The story for Passion Sunday is: Holy Week (to be found in the original edition Series C, semester 1, Passion Sunday, and in the RCL edition Series B, semester 1 for Palm/Passion Sunday).