PALM Sunday

 (5^TH APRIL 2009)

“I loved you enough

to become one of you”

THE 7 STEPS

1.         SILENCE

2.       WORSHIP

3.       SCRIPTURE

READING

4.      MEDITATION

5.       BY HEART

6.       INTERCESSION

7.       COVENANT PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 11:1-10

 
… And those who went before and those who followed cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the Kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mk. 11:9-10)

…And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (Mk.15:12-15)

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.      What do we usually use palms for?  What does the palm symbolize in the gospel story?  What do we usually do with the palms after Palm Sunday?  How does the palm call us to express our commitment to Jesus?       

2.      Why did the people spread their cloaks and palms on the road while Jesus was riding into Jerusalem?  Did they consider Jesus as the king?  Why do you say that?  What moments in my life have I considered Jesus as my king?  What gestures have I done to express that?          

3.      Why did the people suddenly change their minds and want to crucify Jesus instead?  What wrong has he done?  Have I recently changed my mind about Jesus in my life?  Am I easily persuaded by different voices in the world on matters of faith and religion?         

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation
 

The piece of green palm which I hold in my hand on Palm Sunday will wither away and dry up until it becomes pieces of dead leaves. 

-          How can I make sure that my faith will not wither away and dry up as life becomes tougher each day? 

-          How far have I gone in my spiritual life since last Holy Week?  What can I expect from Holy Week this year?

Intercessions:

1.      For leaders of the church, that they follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus who came to serve and not to be served. 

2.      For all of us, that we may proclaim that Jesus is king of our lives even in times of trials and persecution.

3.      For the sick, that they may find strength in Jesus who endured pain and suffering on the cross. 

4.      For peace in the world, that nations may respect the call to justice and love for each human being.

5.      For all of us, that we may begin Holy Week by opening our hearts to experience once again the healing power God’s love through the cross     

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen