One Horse Power

Opening Announcements — Rev. Johan Dodge Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation.

Blessed is the coming kindom. Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is the coming kindom. Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is the coming kindom. Hosanna in the highest!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

We confess that we have sinned, and although we would like to deny it, we have forsaken you. We are horrified by the suffering we cause — to you, ourselves, and the world you have created. Open the gates of your forgiveness and restore us in your love, for the sake of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Lord God helps us; we will not be disgraced. The Lord God helps us; who can declare us guilty? Siblings in Christ, beyond the shadow of doubt, God is a God of Love and has shown us love in the life of Jesus. Let us receive God’s love and be God’s love for the world.

Let us lift up our hearts in thanks to God and pray for the cares of the world, saying,

Holy God, your love for us and all the world is greater than we can imagine.

Holy God, you sent your son into the world to show us your great love for us. And to show us how to be in loving service to the world. Guide those holding positions of power, that their decisions give rise to the mutual flourishing of the world you so love.

Holy God, your love for us and all the world is greater than we can imagine.

Healing God, your son is betrayed and crucified in our violent world each day. Raise us to a new and rightly ordered world through the reconciling love of Christ, where all victims of violence, persecution, shame, or terror may stand together with you in peace.

Holy God, your love for us and all the world is greater than we can imagine.

Forsaken God, as your son suffered his cruel death on the cross, darkness covered the whole land. Enlighten us to care for your creation, awaken us from our denial and abuse, and help us to alleviate its suffering.

Holy God, your love for us and all the world is greater than we can imagine.

Grieving God, your son consoled others in life and in death. We pray for all who are distressed, broken, or sorrowful, that together with Christ in his suffering we may be healed and raised in you.

Save us, O Lord, for your mercy is great.

Eternal God, your son was lovingly cared for as he was laid to rest in a tomb. We remember before you those who have died and pray for those who will die today; enfold them in your love, that they may rest and rise with Christ forever in his light.

Holy God, your love for us and all the world is greater than we can imagine.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, source of all life. As we hear again the story of the palms, let the same mind be in us that was in Christ, who was a servant that we might be free. Awaken our ears, open our hearts, and sustain the weary with your Word. Amen.

¹When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ²and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. ³If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” ⁴They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, ⁵some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ ⁶They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. ⁷Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. ⁸Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. ⁹Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! ¹⁰Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” ¹¹Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Questions for Reflection: Rev. Johan Dodge The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is in direct contrast to the entry of Pilate who would have come with at least a Roman Centurion — 100 soldiers with war horses and chariots. We live in a world drawn to horsepower — go faster, go farther, go louder. What does it mean for you to live counter cultural to the world of horsepower? How does the love of God influence how you live each day? Where might you try to let love win a little more in your life?

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING – Taylor White Jesus gave himself for the life of the world. With humble hearts bowed in awe, let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.

Holy God, we give thanks for your saving love made known to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Bless these gifts that they may bring life on earth as in heaven; in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

May the blessing of God, who surmounts evil, bears our pain, and lives in us forever, fill you with a zeal for justice and passion for peace, and may we go forth in peace to love and serve the world. “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds” Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Amen.