PALM SUNDAY
MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Nolan Williams, Jr., Lectionary Team Liturgist
Lection Scripture - Luke 19:28-40 and Zechariah 9:9-13 (New Revised Standard Version)
Worship Planning Notes
Palm Sunday, which falls on the Sunday before Easter, is a feast that commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus,
as reported by all four Gospels,
into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. The name of the holiday has its origin from the use of palms during the event. As Jesus rode into
the city on a colt, the congregation—in, full exultation for the moment of his return and the
promise of change and hope that it represented—met Jesus in a manner befitting royalty.
While waving palm branches (as was the custom of the day to welcome the highly honored),
and placing their garments and palm branches on the path upon which he trod, they hailed
and greeted him publicly as a king, and with the words: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"(John 12:13)
In this worship service, we seek to help the congregation more fully appreciate why it was during Jesus’
return to Jerusalem that greater numbers of people began to realize who he was,
what he represented, and the extent to which their expectation of heaven
on earth could be fulfilled. The story of Palm Sunday is more than just
about the physical path Jesus took towards the cross, it is also about the
fundamentals of who Jesus is and how his message can figure into our lives.
Preparation for Palm Sunday
In celebration of the triumphant day of Palm Sunday, the liturgy is
more than meditation or praise concerning past events. There are clear
and distinct moods for this liturgy: expectation and joy! It communicates
to us the eternal presence and power of the events being celebrated and makes us
participants in those events.
Pots of palm trees should be placed throughout the sanctuary. At the base of the
altar, place white cloth on the floor and overlay palm branches.
Place images of palms, Jesus riding on a donkey, and/or “Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” on the bulletin cover or
screens.
If the congregation possesses a large cross, use sheer white fabric to drape on
the cross and adorn with large (long) palm branches and a crown of thorns—to
show that the entry into Jerusalem was the precursor to Christ’s journey to the cross.
Your church may elect to re-enact Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem in
the form of a processional (congregational or worship team) or dramatic presentation
(see #15 “Other Recommendations”).
1. Processional
(a) Fanfare for Palm Sunday: Hosanna to the Son of David. By Richard Proulx
(b) Hosanna. By Kirk Franklin
2. Invocation
Oh Lord, our Messiah, just as the people lauded your triumphant journey into Jerusalem,
we celebrate your presence here today with joy and with praise! We wave our branches of palms,
seeking not the lordship of worldly acclaim, position, or power, or quests for material gain
for our lives. But rather, we wave these palms as signs of your victory in our lives over
anything that would separate us from you. We take off our cloaks of self and sin, and lay
them down at your feet. We hail you as our Lord and King. Help us to follow you—the WAY,
the TRUTH, and the LIFE—in the path that leads to obedience to your word and love of
all of your creation.
3. Hymn or Anthem
Hymns
(a) All Glory Laud and Honor. By Theodulph of Orleans. Tune by Melchior Teshner
(b) Lead On, O King Eternal. By Ernest W. Shurtlett. Tune by Henry T. Smart
(c) O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing. By Charles Wesley
Anthems
(d) All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (CORONATION).
(e) All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (DIADEM).
(f) Sanctus and Benedictus (St. Cecilia Mass).
By Charles Gounod
(g) Majesty. By Jack Hayford
4. Spirituals
(a) Plenty Good Room.
(b) Great Day.
(c) Walk Together Children.
(d) Ride On, King Jesus.
5. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer Lester
(b) Blessing and Honor. By Clint Brown
(c) Break Forth Praise. By Juanita Bynum
(d) Come Let Us Sing. By Page 5 
(e) Jesus Saves. By Myron Butler & Levi
6. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Come and Let Us Sing. By Israel and New Breed
(b) Manifest. By Jonathan Nelson & Purpose
(c) Glory Song/Yet Praise Him/Shabach (Medley). By Byron Cage
(d) Hallelujah to the King. By CeCe Winans
7. Congregational Songs
(a) Oh, the Glory of Your Presence. By Steve Fry
(b) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris Akers
8. Modern Songs
(a) Shout Unto God. By Marvin Sapp
(b) One God. By Maurette Brown Clark
(c) Oh Thou Most High. By CeCe Winans
(d) We Give You Glory. By Andraé Crouch
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Walk with Me, Lord. By Lizz Wright
(b) Here Is Our Praise. By Freda Battle
(c) Hosanna. By Patrick Roache’
(d) Hosanna. By Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and Ernest Davis
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Forever You’re My King.
By Judith Christie McAllister
(b) O King, O Lord, O Love. By Timothy Watson
O King, O Lord, O Love
High Priest of praise, we come to worship You
To commune with You, [and] to bow before Your throne
El-Shaddai, we adore You as our lives we lay before You:
To worship You, commune with You
O King, O Lord, O Love!
11. Sermonic Selection
(a) We Worship You. By Richard Smallwood
(b) With My Whole Heart. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
The choice of the Invitational hymn should align with the sermonic emphasis.
Please keep in mind also that the theme of Hosanna (“Lord, Save”) is overarching.
(a) Jesus Saves. By Priscilla J. Owens
(b) Come to Jesus (Just Now). Traditional
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
Reprise your chosen processional selection. This is a great way of rounding-out worship!
14. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Use images of palm branches or a donkey entering the city on bulletin covers and/or screens.
(b) Use sound effects of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!.” Many of these are downloadable.
15. Other Recommendations
(a) Palm branches may be purchased at any local nursery or through online resources.
(b) Do a Palm Sunday Processional.
In some settings, it may be feasible to re-enact Christ’s triumphant entry in to Jerusalem.
This can be accomplished through (1) a congregational processional; (2) a worship team processional; or
(3) a dramatic presentation or liturgical dance. The processionals can
be as elaborate or as simple as resources permit.
1.
Congregational Processional: If planning a congregational processional,
it is advisable that information be distributed to the congregation a week or two
in advance so that everyone knows what to expect. This information may be placed in
the bulletin or provided as a separate handout. The processional instructions should be
in clear, succinct points to include: (a) how the congregation will proceed in the processional;
(b) time and location for congregational gathering (if planning for a congregational processional);
(c) times and locations for distribution of palm branches; and (d) arrangements for seniors and
others who for health reasons cannot participate. They can be seated by the
ushers prior to the processional hymn or anthem.
As congregants arrive at church, they should be given another copy of the information card
(or greeters should refer them to the bulletin) as a reminder of the plans for the service.
The palm branches can be distributed at pre-designated locations and times.
When circumstances permit, the congregation may gather at a place apart from the church,
so that all may go into the church in a procession. Or, the congregation may gather
immediately outside the church or in foyer areas.
As the processional may include the laying of garments and palms on the processional path
(generally the center aisle), the planning team may elect to only have the worship team
(clergy, choir, liturgical dancers, dramatic interpreters, praise and worship team, etc.)
and rostrum participants proceed down the center aisle; and have the elders, deacons, etc. lead
the congregation down other aisles. A variation on this option could be to designate a point
for the center aisle where the congregants could be led to, while the worship team continues
beyond laying down garments and palms.
As the organist begins the processional hymn or anthem
(see #1 “Processional” and #2 “Invocation”),
the Audio/Visual Team can play a sound clip of a crowd proclaiming
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and
show images of palm branches on the screens (see #14 “Audio Visual Suggestions”).
The worship team can then lead the pastoral team and congregants in the processional
into the sanctuary waving the palm branches and proclaiming “Hosanna!” along with
the sound clip. As the processional continues, the worship team lays down garments and
palm branches in the processional path. Congregants proceed to their seats, maintaining
the shouts of “Hosanna” and waving their branches.
Once everyone is in place, the choir should lead the congregation in song
(see #3 “Hymn or Anthem”).
2. Worship Team Processional: If
it is not feasible for the entire congregation to proceed in,
the worship team (clergy, choir, liturgical dancers, dramatic
interpreters, praise and worship team, etc.) can reenact the processional.
In this scenario, palms may still be distributed
(at specified times from pre-designated locations) to the congregation to wave.
As the organist begins the Processional Hymn or Anthem
(see #1 “Processional” and #2 “Invocation”),
the worship team proceeds in reenacting Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Liturgical Dancers may
wave streamers (green or gold). As the processional begins, the Audio/Visual Team can play a
sound clip of the crowd proclaiming “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in
the name of the Lord!” and show images of palm branches on the screens
(see #14 “Audio Visual Suggestions”).
Members of the worship team should proclaim “Hosanna!” along with the sound clip
and encourage the congregation to also participate by joining in with the Hosannas.
The choir may also choose to proceed in with a song (see #1 “Processional and #2 "Invocation”)
while the congregation proclaims “Hosanna!” to add to the grandeur of the liturgical moment.
Once everyone is in place, the choir should lead the congregation in song (see #3 “Hymn or Anthem”).
3. Processional as Dramatic Presentation or Liturgical Dance:
The worship team may also elect to re-enact Christ’s processional as
part of a presentation by a drama team or liturgical dance ministry.
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
1. Processional
(a) Fanfare for Palm Sunday: Hosanna to the Son of David. By Richard Proulx
Location:
The sheet music can be obtained through:
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Online location: www.giamusic.com
(b) Hosanna. By Kirk Franklin
Location:
The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2002.
NOTE: In the rendering of this song by Franklin, the term “Hosanna” is NOT a name for Jesus
(as the wording and exhortation of the song suggest);
it is instead a plea or petition that literally means, “Lord, save us!”
2. Invocation (see #2 “Invocation” above)
3. Hymn or Anthem
Hymn
(a) All Glory Laud and Honor. By Theodulph of Orleans. Tune by Melchior Teshner
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal, Chicago IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #226
African Methodist Episcopal Church. African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. Nashville, TN:
African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2006. #129
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion
Publishing House, 1996. #133
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #30
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #102
Hymn
(b)Lead On, O King Eternal. By Ernest W. Shurtleff.
Tune by Henry T. Smart
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #477
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #177
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #228
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #415
Hymn
(c) O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing. By Charles Wesley
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #184
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #1
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #21
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #23
Anthem
(d) All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (CORONATION).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #292
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #4
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #32
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #88
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #3
Anthem
(e) All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (DIADEM).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #293
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #5
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #33
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #89
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #5
(f) Sanctus and Benedictus (St. Cecilia Mass).
By Charles Gounod
Location:
(g) Majesty. By Jack Hayford
Location:
4. Spirituals
(a) Plenty Good Room.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #352
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #318
(b) Great Day.
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #624
(c) Walk Together Children.
Location:
(d) Ride On, King Jesus.
Location:
5. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer Lester
Location:
Abbington, James. 46 More Hidden Treasures From the African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2007.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #106
(b) Blessing and Honor. By Clint Brown
Location:
Mercy and Grace. Orlando, FL: Tribe Records, 2005.
(c) Break Forth Praise. By Juanita Bynum
Location:
A Piece of My Passion. Duluth, GA: Flow Records, 2006.
(d) Come Let Us Sing. By Page 5
Location:
Come Let Us Sing. Synergy Media 7, 2007.
(e) Jesus Saves. By Myron Butler & Levi
Location:
Stronger. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 2007.
6. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Come and Let Us Sing. By Israel and New Breed
Location:
Alive in South Africa. New York, NY: Epic, 2005.
(b) Manifest. By Jonathan Nelson & Purpose
Location:
Live in Baltimore: Everything You Are. Baltimore, MD: Independent, 2003.
(c) Glory Song/Yet Praise Him/Shabach (Medley). By Byron Cage
Location:
Byron Cage. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric Records, 2003.
(d) Hallelujah to the King. By CeCe Winans
Location:
Throne Room. New York, NY: Epic, 2003.
7. Congregational Songs
(a) Oh, the Glory of Your Presence. By Steve Fry
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #168
Abbington, James. 46 More Hidden Treasures From the African American Heritage Hymnal.
(b) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris Akers
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #474
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #378
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #168
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #233
8. Modern Songs
(a) Shout Unto God. By Marvin Sapp
Location:
Thirsty. New York, NY: Zomba Recording, 2007.
(b) One God. By Maurette Brown Clark
Location:
The Dream. Atlanta, GA: AIR Gospel, 2007.
(c) Oh Thou Most High. By CeCe Winans
Location:
Throne Room. New York, NY: Epic, 2003.
(d) We Give You Glory. By Andraé Crouch (featuring Crystal Lewis)
Location:
Mighty Wind. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corp, 2006.
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Walk with Me, Lord. By Lizz Wright
Location:
Salt. New York, NY: Verve, 2003.
(b) Here Is Our Praise. By Freda Battle
Location:
Here Is Our Praise. Boston, MA: Axiom Records, 2006.
(c) Hosanna. By Patrick Roache’
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #224
(d) Hosanna. By The Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and Ernest Davis
Location:
Hosanna! "and They Sang the Word". Atlanta, GA: Air Gospel, 1999.
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Forever You’re My King.
By Judith Christie McAllister
Location:
West Angeles Church of God in Christ and Charles E. Blake. No Limit. Brentwood,
TN: EMI Gospel Music, 2007.
(b) O King, O Lord, O Love. By Timothy Watson
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #116
11. Sermonic Selection
(a) We Worship You. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard, Kim Burrell, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Kelly Price, and Chaka Khan. Journey: Live in New York. New York, NY: Verity/Zomba, 2007.
(b) With My Whole Heart. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
inSpiration. Washington, D.C.: NEWorks Productions, 2006.
NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
4913 Albemarle Road #103
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
The choice of the Invitational hymn should align with the sermonic emphasis.
Please keep in mind also that the theme of Hosanna (“Lord, Save”) is overarching.
(a) Jesus Saves. By Priscilla J. Owens
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #558
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #401
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #273
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #418
(b) Come to Jesus (Just Now). Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #354
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #246
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #408
Lead Me, Guide Me: African American Catholic Hymnal. #287
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #173
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(see #13 above)
14. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Use images of palm branches or a donkey entering the city on bulletin covers and/or screens.
Location:
(b) Use sound effects of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!.” Many of these are downloadable.
Sound Effect: Crowd Shouting “Hosanna”
Location:
15. Other Recommendations
Palm branches may be purchased at any local nursery or online.
Online location:
|
