Palm Sunday

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When I call out in prayer,

          what do I say?

Do my words express my trust in you?

When I live out each day,

          what do I say?

Do my actions show I trust you?

Let me be more aware of how I hurt you.

May I work to let my words and my actions,

          express my love and trust in YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 50:4-7

• From whose perspective is this reading? What does it tell you about speaking out against injustice?
• How can you identify with this scripture? Are you feeling weary as the season of Lent comes to a close?
• Does this scripture give you any encouragement to keep on with your Lenten disciplines?  Explain.
• What does God promise to those who hear His word and act on it?

Philippians 2:6-11

• How do you show love? Do you love others with conditions? What can you do to love others more fully?
• What are you selfish about? With whom are you selfish? Are there people in your life whom you do not share openly? Why?
• What qualities of Jesus do you admire the most? How do you relate to these traits?

Matthew 26:14-27:66

• Have you ever been in a state of extreme physical pain? How were you able to cope? Have you been with someone who has been in extreme physical pain? What can you do to help those who suffer?
• If you were there on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, could you have stayed with Jesus until the very end? Who in this scripture can you relate to the most? Why?
• Choose an action from the Gospel reading that reflects something going on in your life right now. 

General Questions for Journaling

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with humility.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with obedience.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with hospitality.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with forgiveness.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with acceptance.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with trust.

Leader:  May I be emptied…

ALL:  so I can be refilled with faith.

Challenge for the Week:  This week make the commitment to sacrifice some of your time and do something uncomfortable.  It might be something simple like making small talk with the person in line with you at the store or offering to purchase the coffee of a stranger.  You might consider taking some of the “me time” you work to create and volunteer.  Perhaps you could make time for someone you have been avoiding or someone who has been sick or is alone.  Too often, we get wrapped up in ourselves and we begin to complain about things that we really shouldn’t complain about.  Look around this week and sacrifice yourself for the sake of another who is going through something much more difficult than you.  It will help you gain perspective and prepare your heart for Holy Week!

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