Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Matthew 21:9

As Palm Sunday approaches, here is a poem looking at this great event through the eyes of the donkey, followed by a psalm, scripture reading, and prayer, continuing my series of “Poems, Prayers, Psalms, and Promises“:

“The Donkey” by G.K. Chesterton

When fishes flew and forests walked
   And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
   Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry
   And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
   On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
   Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
   I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
   One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
   And palms before my feet.

---

Psalm 34:1-9

I will bless the Lord at all times; 
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; 
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, 
and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, 
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; 
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, 
and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, 
and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; 
happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, 
for those who fear him have no want.

Scripture Reading: John 12:12-15

The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—
    the King of Israel!”
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:
“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.
Look, your king is coming,
    sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

John 12:12-15

Prayer

Hosanna, Lord; save us. Save us from our foolish selves. Save us from our pride, our apathy, our sin. We spread our hearts before you; enter them in triumph. We are happy only when we fear you: let us not forget. Enter, Lord, encamp around us, and we will be radiant. Save us, Lord, bless us, redeem us, for we are yours and yours only. Hosanna to you, hosanna in the highest heaven. Amen.