Palm Sunday Prayer and Call to Worship Scriptures (KJV)

Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is King, but not the kind of King many expected. He entered Jerusalem with humility, riding on a donkey, and the people welcomed Him with praise. Some shouted “Hosanna” with real hope. Others did not yet understand what kind of salvation He came to bring.

This article gives you three things you can use right away:

• a simple Palm Sunday opening reflection
• call to worship Scriptures (KJV) you can read in church or at home
• Palm Sunday prayers

What Palm Sunday is about

Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a few days before His crucifixion. The crowd praised Him, waved palm branches, and cried out for deliverance. The moment was full of celebration, but it also pointed toward the cross.

Palm Sunday holds two truths at once:

• Jesus is worthy of praise
• Jesus’ path to victory went through suffering

That is why Palm Sunday worship often feels both joyful and reverent.

How to use these call to worship Scriptures

A call to worship is a simple way to gather hearts and direct attention to God. It helps people lay aside distractions and remember why they came.

You can use the Scriptures below in a few ways:

• read one passage as the opening of service
• read two or three verses as a short set
• use the responsive call to worship sample (Leader/Congregation)
• use them at home before prayer

Call to worship Scriptures for Palm Sunday (KJV)

These verses fit Palm Sunday because they speak of Christ’s coming, the praise of God’s people, and the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

1. Matthew 21:9 (KJV)
   “Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
2. John 12:13 (KJV)
   “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
3. Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
   “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
4. Psalm 118:25 (KJV)
   “Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.”
5. Psalm 118:26 (KJV)
   “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.”
6. Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
   “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”
7. Psalm 24:7 (KJV)
   “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”
8. Psalm 24:10 (KJV)
   “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
9. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
   “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder…”
10. Philippians 2:9–10 (KJV)
    “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him… That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

(If you prefer shorter readings, choose Matthew 21:9, Zechariah 9:9, and Psalm 118:26.)

A short responsive call to worship (KJV)

This is a simple, ready-to-read call to worship you can use for church. It keeps the Palm Sunday theme clear and centered on Christ.

Leader: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:26)
People: “Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9)

Leader: “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee… lowly.” (Zechariah 9:9)
People: We welcome Jesus with humble hearts.

Leader: “This is the day which the Lord hath made.” (Psalm 118:24)
People: “We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Leader: Let us worship the Lord with gratitude and faith.
People: Amen.

Palm Sunday prayers

These prayers are simple and steady. You can pray them in a service, in a family setting, or alone.

Palm Sunday opening prayer

Gracious God,
we welcome You into this time of worship.
As we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem, help us see Him clearly.
Give us hearts that praise Him with truth, not just words.
Teach us to follow Him in humility and obedience.
Let our worship be sincere and pleasing to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9).

Prayer for a humble heart

Holy God,
we confess that pride rises easily in us.
We want praise without obedience.
We want comfort without surrender.
Help us learn the humility of Jesus.
Make our hearts soft and teachable.
Lead us in Your ways today.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5).

Prayer of confession for shallow praise

Dear Lord,
forgive us for praising with our lips while resisting You in our lives.
Forgive us for using worship as a moment, not a way of living.
Clean our hearts and renew our love for You.
Teach us to follow Jesus, even when it costs us something.
Give us honest repentance and real change.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8).

Prayer for peace in the home and the heart

Lord Jesus,
many of us come carrying pressure and noise inside.
Speak peace over anxious thoughts and tired hearts.
Bring peace into homes, marriages, and relationships.
Help us treat one another with patience and kindness.
Let Your peace rule in us as we worship today.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” (John 14:27).

Prayer for faith to follow Jesus through the week

Mighty God,
we do not want Palm Sunday praise without Monday obedience.
Give us faith that lasts beyond a church service.
Help us carry Your Word into our choices, our work, and our habits.
Strengthen us to do what is right when no one is watching.
Make us faithful disciples of Jesus.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31).

Prayer for those who are suffering

God Almighty,
we remember that the road from Palm Sunday led to the cross.
Many are suffering today in body, mind, or spirit.
Draw near to the brokenhearted.
Give strength to the weak and comfort to those who mourn.
Provide help, healing, and hope.
Let Your mercy meet people right where they are.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3).

Prayer for the church to remain faithful

Gracious God,
keep Your church faithful in every season.
Help us preach Christ with clarity and live with integrity.
Protect us from division, distraction, and empty religion.
Make us a people of prayer, love, and truth.
Let our lives point others to Jesus.
Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23).

Palm Sunday closing prayer

Holy God,
thank You for meeting us in worship.
Thank You for Jesus, our King and Savior.
Help us walk from this moment with a steady heart.
Teach us to praise You with our lives.
Keep us close to Jesus as we move toward the cross and the resurrection.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture (KJV):
“Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Luke 19:38).

A short devotional reflection for Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday asks a quiet question: what kind of King do we want?

Many wanted a King who would fix their problems fast, defeat their enemies, and lift their burdens without touching their hearts. Jesus came as King, but He came lowly. He came to save, but He came through sacrifice.

This is why Palm Sunday matters. It shows us that Jesus is not only worthy of celebration. He is worthy of trust. He is worthy of obedience. He is worthy of our whole lives.

If you feel weak today, you can still worship. If you feel unsure, you can still pray. If you feel far, you can still return. Jesus is still the King who comes to save.

FAQs

What is a good Palm Sunday opening prayer?

A good Palm Sunday opening prayer welcomes God into worship, honors Jesus as King, and asks for humble hearts that follow Him beyond the service. You can use the “Palm Sunday opening prayer” section above.

What Scriptures are best for a Palm Sunday call to worship (KJV)?

Strong Palm Sunday call to worship Scriptures include Matthew 21:9, John 12:13, Psalm 118:24–26, and Zechariah 9:9. These verses focus on Jesus’ entry, the crowd’s praise, and the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Can I use these prayers at home with my family?

Yes. You can read one call to worship Scripture, pray one of the prayers, and end with a short moment of thanksgiving. Keep it simple and sincere.

Why is Palm Sunday important for Christians?

Palm Sunday reminds believers that Jesus is the promised King who came with salvation, humility, and peace. It also prepares hearts for the events of Holy Week leading to the cross and resurrection.

If you want, I can also create a short “Palm Sunday service flow” (Call to Worship → Opening Prayer → Scripture Reading → Short Reflection → Closing Prayer) using only KJV.