Praise the Lord

April 2, 2017

Opening Hymns:
Sweet Hour of Prayer: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh496.sht

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 21:1-11 21:1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

21:2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.

21:3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately."

21:4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

21:5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;

21:7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.

21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?"

21:11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

Message:
Today’s scripture is one of great celebration. We sing joyous hymns, and shout “Hosanna”. I remember loving Palm Sunday so much, because we would each get Palm branches. Then after church my mom would fold them, sometimes into the shape of a cross, other times into a fun zig zag pattern. It was something tangible that would remind me of that day, and it made me feel more connect to the scripture. It was also something that would add a little joy to an otherwise solemn time during the church’s liturgical year.

As we near the end of the Lenten season, it is good to remember to be joyous. Christ died to bring us each salvation. It is good to praise, and rejoice in the Lord. It is also good to quiet our hearts and silently reflect on Jesus’ love, and what His sacrifice means to each of us.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us times to rejoice, and sing praises to Your Holy name. And quiet times as well, where we can sit in wonder at Your love for us. In everything that we do, let us always remember to show our love and gratitude. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh671.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God