Litany from Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
Let Israel say, “His love endures forever!” and all who fear God say, “His love endures forever!”
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
With the Lord on our side, what can we fear? What can humankind do?
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
We shall triumph over those who surround us and stand in confidence in the Lord, our God!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
The Lord is our strength and our might. The Lord has become our salvation!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
—adapted from Psalm 118

It is Palm Sunday – the day the Lord rode into Jerusalem on an unridden colt to shouts of Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! This was a familiar scene to people of the day. Triumphal entries were pretty common to boast about winning the battle and were adorned with fancy chariots and garb. This, however, was a bit different. There was a similar atmosphere of people wanting to celebrate and pay homage, but the Lord came in on a donkey – no chariot, no procession to lead him in, just a few of his close friends. On top of that, he knew what the days ahead would hold. Even though he had been predicting these things to his disciples, they continued to not get the gravity of what was about to occur. Our Lord willingly rode into Jerusalem not as a victor, but as a lamb, as a sacrifice.

I’m not sure if I could have done that with the foreknowledge of what was to come, but our Lord did and he willingly rode in as the humble lamb for the sacrifice.

I found this prayer this week. I do not know its origin, but let this be our prayer as we enter this Holy Week.

Triumphant Lord, We rejoice in your entry into the world and into our lives!
Joining with the crowds, we sing your praises and exalt your reign,
but even so, our hearts are far from true worship,
our minds are distant from true understanding.
We are disappointed with your humility,
we are uninspired by your selflessness.
Our sin leads us to give you death
even though you give us life.
Our treachery guides us to war
even though you call us to peace.
Help us to reflect in our lives the glory of your Son
and to live faithfully here and now.
Have mercy on us, Savior of all,
find us in these forsaken places.
Forgive what we have done and who we have been.
Bring us home again and impart within us a new song of joy and celebration.

Journeying Together,
~ Pastor Todd