“Your hearts and minds, prepare them…” – Streaming Page CXVI Day 5

The moment in the Easter narrative that always captures my attention most powerfully is the story of Palm Sunday, of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, hailed as king yet his death from that moment assured. This is the theme of today’s Page CXVI song, the beautiful “This Blessed Day”, accompanied by my new poem for the day. May both help us draw nearer to our servant king this Lent.

Sunday Before Lent
 
Sons of men:
the king is here; he calls,
he calls your crowns and songs –

Daughters, sing:
behold him come; he rides,
he rides adorned in humble praise –

Prepare the way:
lay your crowns, lay your palms,
lay your souls, your soles, your steps toward him –

Behold his crown:
adorned with thorns. Behold his brow,
adorned with shame. Behold him ride –

Hosanna, praise:
the king who rides, who writhes, who prays
forgiveness in His name.