Journey to the Cross

Pause

Begin by asking God for eyes to see, a heart to praise, and a voice to give thanks.

Center yourself in God’s goodness and faithful love. Rest in knowing that God’s intentions for you are for good, not for harm.

Be reminded that there is nothing that can separate you from God’s never-ending love.

Listen

I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed!

Psalm 118:21-25

Think

Many Christians around the world will celebrate Palm Sunday today and the beginning of the final week of Jesus’ life. Guided by Luke’s Gospel, we have followed Jesus and his disciples this week as they have journeyed toward Jerusalem. In worship today the church reenacts this journey with joyful songs, shouts of Hosannas, and perhaps even the waving of palm branches.

If we are honest, rejoicing and celebrating Jesus’ arrival into our personal lives and into the life of the church might be hard for us today. We aren’t so sure what Jesus will do if we welcome him into that which we’ve worked so hard to build. Welcoming Jesus could mean giving up some control. Jesus might want to renovate and rearrange some things.

The psalmist reminds us that what we reject, God may very well use to do a new thing! Beware! God is still acting in this day and time, flinging open the doors of our churches and our hearts, perhaps even dismantling the door from the hinges that we installed!

Devita Parnell

Pray

Lord, I pray today especially for my church. We can be guilty of thinking that the church isn’t in need of transformation. Sometimes I feel this way about my own life, too. Help me to welcome and celebrate the new things you are doing in the midst of my life and my faith community. Amen.

Go

Pay attention to your words and actions today. Share generously your praise toward God and others.

Rejoice. Celebrate. Praise.