7 Worship Songs For Palm Sunday (Hosanna To The King)

Palm Sunday is a unique day in the church calendar. It is a day of celebration, marking Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but it is also the doorway to Holy Week, foreshadowing the cross that awaits on Friday. It is a day of “Hosannas” that will eventually turn to silence.

Leading worship on Palm Sunday requires striking a balance. You want to capture the excitement of the crowd waving palm branches, declaring “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” while also preparing the hearts of your people for the somber reality of the Passion. These songs help you navigate that tension with theological depth and musical energy.

Why These Songs Fit The Triumphal Entry

We selected these songs because:

  • They are royal. The central theme of Palm Sunday is Kingship. These songs exalt Jesus as the rightful King.
  • They are energetic. The entry into Jerusalem was loud and chaotic in the best way. These songs reflect that joyful noise.
  • They hint at the cross. The best Palm Sunday songs don’t ignore what is coming; they acknowledge the suffering Servant within the conquering King.

7 Songs To Welcome The King

  1. All Hail King Jesus – There is no better song to start Holy Week. It tells the story of the King who entered humanity, died on the cross, and rose again. The chorus “All hail King Jesus” is exactly what the rocks would cry out if we didn’t.
  2. That’s My King – Palm Sunday is about identification—publicly declaring allegiance to Jesus. This song is a high-energy “roll call” of His titles, allowing the church to shout, “That’s MY King!” with unashamed boldness.
  3. King Of Kings – This modern hymn is perfect for bridging the gap between the celebration of the entry and the theology of the cross. It reminds us that His Kingdom was established not by a sword, but by His life.
  4. Crown Him With Many Crowns (Diademata) – “Crown Him the Lord of peace.” This hymn connects deeply with the narrative of Jesus riding on a donkey—the symbol of peace—rather than a warhorse. It is a majestic, timeless opener.
  5. Rejoice – Zechariah 9:9 prophesied, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you.” This song fulfills that command to rejoice, making it a scripturally perfect fit for the day.
  6. The Lion And The Lamb – The paradox of Palm Sunday is that the Lion of Judah came to be the Lamb of God. This anthem celebrates that duality, establishing His authority while acknowledging His sacrifice.
  7. Son Of Suffering – As the service transitions toward the sermon or communion, this song helps pivot the focus from the palms to the passion. It reminds the room that the King they just hailed is also the Son of Suffering who came to die.

Example Palm Sunday Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Triumphal Entry)

  1. Rejoice – Captures the energy of the crowd.
  2. That’s My King – Declares the identity of the One entering the city.
  3. King Of Kings – Tells the story of why He came.

Setlist 2 (From Palms To Passion)

  1. All Hail King Jesus – Opens with a focus on His royalty.
  2. Crown Him With Many Crowns (Diademata) – Centers the room on His Lordship.
  3. Son Of Suffering – Prepares the heart for Holy Week.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Involve the kids. Palm Sunday is traditionally a day when children wave palm branches. Songs like Rejoice or That’s My King are upbeat enough for a processional.
  • Read the prophecy. Before singing Rejoice, read Zechariah 9:9 to connect the song directly to the biblical event.
  • End somberly. While the opening should be joyous, consider ending the service with a more reflective tone to set the stage for Good Friday.

Next Steps

Don’t just treat Palm Sunday like a normal Sunday. Choose a “King” anthem from this list to specifically honor the Triumphal Entry, ensuring your congregation understands the significance of the start of Holy Week.

By Lydia Hart, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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