The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in a Palm Sunday Worship Service are listed for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for Palm Sunday
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:1-2, 6-9
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:1-2, 7-10
28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:28, 37-40
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:9-11
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
15 [Y]ou, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:9-10
37 When he [Jesus] came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:37-40
Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! Psalm 36:5-7a*
1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Psalm 48:1
9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:9-11
1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1
3 I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108:3-5
1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. Psalm 138:1-2
The Best Introductions to Singing for Palm Sunday
1 I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength . . . . Psalm 89:1-2, 15-17*
1 It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 4 For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. Psalm 92:1-2, 4
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2
Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. 9 As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to . . . God . . . Psalm 75:1, 9*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
2 “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2b*
10 “To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed my law and the decrees I set before you and your ancestors.” Jeremiah 44:10
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? Proverbs 20:6
6 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6b*
5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b*
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for Palm Sunday
68 “Praise be to the Lord, . . . , because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” Luke 1:68-69, 74-75*
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Exodus 34:5-7a*
17 [Y]ou are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Nehemiah 9:17c*
11 “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved . . . .” Acts 15:11b*
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:15, 17*
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace for Palm Sunday
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. John 12:1-2
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for Palm Sunday
8 “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. Psalm 119:129
151 [Y]ou are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. Psalm 119:151*
167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. Psalm 119:167
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One . . . “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17-18*
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for Palm Sunday
6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8
10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
11 But you, man of God, . . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11*
5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5b-6*
19 “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” Revelation 2:19
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, Psalm 107:1-2, 8
31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:31
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1b*
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3
15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions for Palm Sunday
1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Zephaniah 2:3a*
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
21 [W]e have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:21-22*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for Palm Sunday
3 I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 108:3-6
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? Deuteronomy 4:7
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and
Promises of God for Palm Sunday
6 “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6c*
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because . . . there is a greater power with us . . . . 8 [W]ith us is the LORD our God to help us . . . .” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8a*
28 Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage . . . . Ezra 7:28b*
4 “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, . . . he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:4*
12 “[T]hose who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12*
11 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11*
14 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14b*
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
6 “Be strong and courageous. [F]or the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6, 8*
10 “Shout and be glad . . . . For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.” Zechariah 2:10, 11b*
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
The Best Exhortations for Palm Sunday
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are so many of “The Best Exhortations” that apply well for a Palm Sunday Worship Service that there are more than this listed below.
9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
21 “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b *
13 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” 1 Chronicles 22:13bc *
11 “Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.” 2 Chronicles 19:11b *
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
26 “[W]hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26b-28 *
12 “[T]hose who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 *
43 “[W]hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43b-45 *
11 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 *
14 “[A]ll those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14b *
13 [S]tand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 *
13 [O]ne thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14 *
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
5 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5b-6 *
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
31 [W]hatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
58 [M]y dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 *
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for Palm Sunday
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. Psalm 36:5-6a *
10 “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10 *
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Psalm 116:5
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. Psalm 145:17
10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:10
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for Palm Sunday
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
20 The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20b *
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:23
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. Galatians 6:18
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philippians 4:23
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Thessalonians 5:28
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:18
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 25
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:21