During Lent we have been preparing for the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection. Today we come together to begin our act of worship in union with the church throughout the world. Christ entered Jerusalem this day in triumph, a triumph that led through suffering and death to resurrection and new life. In faith and love may we follow this messiah, the humble ruler, who comes riding on a donkey.

Let us pray.

. Year A - Matthew 21:1-11 Year B - Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 Year C - Luke 19:28-40

It is right to praise you, Sovereign God, for the acts of love by which you have set us free. On this day Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly to suffer and to die and was greeted with branches of palm. Let these branches  that have been blessed be for us symbols of martyrdom and majesty. May we who carry them follow Christ in the way of the cross which leads to life; through Christ who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ
Then may be said or sung.