Here’s a call to worship suitable based on Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-22). It was written by Shari Miller Wagner.
Call to Worship
(inspired by Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple)
Who is this who enters the doors of our temple,
who overturns the tables,
strews silver and gold on the floor,
frees the sacrificial doves from gilded cages?
Listen, as they rise, the beating of their wings
is a song of loud hosanna.
It is Jesus of Galilee, the Son of God,
who comes to cleanse the great temple,
to restore its subverted chambers
to a house of hallowed prayer.
Then let us open the doors of our hearts even wider,
so he can cast out the thieves
who would take what is sacred and tender
and turn it hard as gold in a fist.
May the temple within us
be a refuge where doves of peace roost in the rafters.
May it be a garden
that bears the fruits of a generous spirit.
Oh Lord, take what is corrupt and withered
and let it break forth in beauty.
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.
— written by Shari Miller Wagner, in Celebrating the Season. Posted on the website of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference.
For more worship resources for Palm/Passion Sunday, click on Palm Sunday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.