GATHERING AND PRAISE

Have everyone focus their minds and their hearts on worshiping God.


Have someone read these words. (This reading from the New International Reader’s Version is easy. You could ask someone who is just learning to read.)

Matthew 21:8-9 (NIrV) 

A very large crowd spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Some of the people went ahead of him, and some followed. They all shouted,

  “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

  “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”


Have someone pray:

Lord Jesus,

As you once entered Jerusalem,

Enter our hearts today.

As the children once cried “Hosanna,”

Help us to praise you.

As you once walked toward the cross,

Help us to walk with you.

Send us your Spirit,

So that our worship and our lives may truly honor you.

Amen.


Tell each other something you can see or experience that reminds you that Jesus is King.


CONFESSION

Have someone explain:

Like the people who greeted Jesus as he entered Jerusalem

but then later said “Crucify him,”

we often praise God,

and then deny Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Remembering the events of Jesus’ last week

helps us see that we are sinners in need of a Savior.

We have that Savior in Jesus Christ.

Let’s now our sins to God.


Have everyone silently confess their sins to God.


Have someone read:

1 John 1:8-9 (NIV)

If we claim to be without sin,

we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.


Talk about what each of you can do in thankfulness to God for salvation.

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Teaching

Sending

Here are some prayer requests we shared this week during our devotions Monday and Wednesday evenings:

  • Hospital workers and those who are sick.
  • People who have lost their jobs or some of their income.
  • Don and Maria B who are recovering from medical procedures.
  • Kelly M’s grandfather with a broken hip,
  • Matt S’s friend’s mother who has cancer
  • Janet D’s sister-in-law who has cancer
  • A friend, Diane W, who has cancer
  • Barb D’s brother, who has Parkinson’s
  • Those who are recovering from medical procedures, like Kara D.
  • Nick and Josh K, who lost their baby a few weeks ago.
  • Brian and Joni V, as they look ahead to the birth of a baby.
  • Those whose medical treatments (like fertility treatments) have been put on hold because of the coronavirus.

Share other prayer requests and have someone write them down.


Have someone pray for the things you have written down.


List one church friend and one other friend to call today, and call to say hello after you conclude worship.


Plan a time to worship later in the week, remembering the crucifixion of Jesus with the Good Friday liturgy.


Have someone read these words:

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Grow in the grace and knowledge

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and forever!

Amen.


Some prayers and portions of prayers reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources.