Lord, What a Parade!
LYONS 10.10.11.11 (“O Worship the King, All Glorious Above”)
Lord, what a parade! The crowd quickly grew;
What noise they all made in welcoming you.
“Hosanna!” they shouted. “It’s David’s own son!
Hosanna! Come save us! God’s reign has begun!”
They welcomed you in, a conquering king,
Yet what kind of reign would you really bring?
It wasn’t a war horse you rode on that day;
A creature of peace carried you on your way.
Did those in that crowd expect something more
Than one who reached out in love to the poor?
Did they think a savior with armies was best,
Or did they remember: the peaceful are blessed?
Lord Jesus, it’s true–we give you glad praise,
Yet living for you will challenge our ways.
So may we be open and welcome your reign.
Hosanna! Come save us! Renew us again!
Biblical reference: Matthew 21:1-11
Tune: attr. Johann Michael Haydn, (1737-1806)
Text: Copyright © 2011 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net Web site: www.carolynshymns.com
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Hymn Use Permission: Churches that support Presbyterian Peacemaking Program have copyright permission to use “Lord, What a Parade!” The Presbyterian Outlook has made this new hymn available with the music as a downloadable file.
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Discipleship Resources/Upper Room Books, 2009) and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today’s Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and the co-pastor of Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Find a complete list of the 180+ hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, many with peace and justice themes.