A crowd erupts with joy, their cloaks and palm branches scattered across a dusty road as their long-awaited King approaches. This is the scene we remember on Palm Sunday: the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecy and setting in motion the events of Holy Week.
The people cried “Hosanna!” – meaning “save us” – and though they sought an earthly king to free them from Roman rule, Jesus had come to free them from something far greater. Today, we celebrate Palm Sunday as a reminder that though the crowd’s expectations were mistaken, their joy was not misplaced. Jesus truly was the King they needed, just not the one they expected. He came not to rule from an earthly throne, but to lay down His life for His people.
As you prayerfully consider your worship set list for this important Sunday, here is a collection of both timeless hymns and contemporary worship songs that can help lead your congregation in remembering Christ’s triumphal entry. Each selection, whether old or new, carries the weight and wonder of Palm Sunday’s message.
All Glory, Laud and Honor
This ancient hymn captures the very words that might have echoed through Jerusalem’s streets that first Palm Sunday. When we sing “All glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring,” we join our voices with those who welcomed Jesus so long ago.
Is He Worthy
Andrew Peterson’s powerful call-and-response style mirrors the expectant crowd on Palm Sunday. As we sing “Is He worthy? Is He worthy of all blessing and honor and glory?” we declare what the palm-bearing crowd knew in their hearts: He is worthy indeed.
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown’s anthem carries the same spirit of anticipation felt in Jerusalem that day. The chorus “Hosanna, hosanna, You are the God who saves us” echoes both the ancient cry for salvation and our modern hearts’ deepest need.
Hosanna (Hillsong)
The progression from “I see the King of glory coming on the clouds with fire” to the triumphant “Hosanna in the highest” mirrors Palm Sunday’s journey from expectation to celebration. This modern favorite helps us feel the mounting excitement of that momentous day.
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Though not written specifically for Palm Sunday, this majestic hymn captures the very essence of why the crowds laid down their cloaks and palm branches that day. When we sing “Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne,” we echo the recognition of Christ’s kingship that stirred in Jerusalem’s streets. The verse “Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave” reminds us that the King who entered the city would soon fulfill an even greater triumph – one that the palm-waving crowd could not yet comprehend.
King of Kings
Hillsong’s reverent retelling of Christ’s story takes on special meaning during Palm Sunday. The line “To reveal the kingdom coming and to reconcile the lost” speaks directly to why Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day.
Only King Forever
Elevation Worship’s powerful declaration of Christ’s eternal reign captures both the immediate joy and ultimate significance of Palm Sunday. When we sing “As nations rise and fall, kingdoms once strong now shaken,” we’re reminded that the crowd’s expectation of an earthly king fell far short of who Jesus truly was. The triumphant chorus “You are the only King forever” transforms their shouts of “Hosanna!” into our modern-day recognition that the humble King who rode into Jerusalem that day is indeed the King of all creation.
The King of Glory
Consider this powerful Third Day anthem as a special music selection just before your pastor’s Palm Sunday message. Its reflective verses and soaring chorus create a perfect bridge between congregational worship and the spoken word. The song’s questioning lyrics mirror the curiosity of those who witnessed Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, asking “Who is this King of glory?” – the very question that must have stirred in the hearts of those who lined the streets that day. As the song builds to its triumphant chorus declaring Jesus as “The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart,” it helps transition your congregation from the celebration of palm branches to the deeper significance of Christ’s kingship.
Jesus, Messiah
Chris Tomlin’s worship song speaks to both the triumph and humility of Palm Sunday. The lyrics “Name above all names, blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel” echo the crowd’s recognition of Jesus as their long-awaited King.
All Hail King Jesus (Bethel Music)
In the spirit of Palm Sunday’s royal proclamations, this Bethel anthem helps our modern congregations echo the ancient cry of Jerusalem’s crowds. Its declaration “All hail King Jesus, the Lord of Heaven and Earth” mirrors both the palm-waving throng’s recognition of Christ’s kingship and our present-day understanding of His true sovereignty. The song’s building intensity captures the growing excitement of that first Palm Sunday, while its simple, powerful chorus makes it perfect for full congregational participation.
