In a deeply moving Palm Sunday service at Lakewood Church, Pastor Joel Osteen delivered a powerful reminder of the importance of bold, heartfelt worship, declaring that God deserves such praise that even the rocks would cry out if we remain silent.
Broadcast live on April 13, 2025, to a global online audience, Osteen’s message was anchored in Luke 19:40 (ESV): “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” The verse reflects the scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds whose joyous shouts stirred such commotion, the religious leaders demanded they be silenced.
“When Jesus walked into Jerusalem, people couldn’t contain their joy,” Osteen preached. “And if they hadn’t cried out, creation itself would have spoken. That’s how powerful praise is—and how worthy He is.”
Encouraging believers not to let anything or anyone silence their faith, Osteen urged worshippers to lift their voices and give God such sincere adoration that, in his words, “no stone will take your place.”
The message resonated with thousands online, many of whom commented on how it rekindled their passion for worship. Osteen took to Facebook following the service, posting a clip of the message and inviting the Lakewood community to respond by submitting short video testimonies about what inspired them most.
Call to Participate
Lakewood Church is now inviting members and online viewers to send 10–15 second video clips reflecting on the message. Participants are asked to:
- Record in landscape mode (turn phones sideways)
- Use a well-lit setting (preferably natural light)
- Use earbuds for clearer audio, if available
- Project their voice clearly if recording without earbuds
Videos can be emailed to MyStory@lakewood.cc for a chance to be featured in upcoming services, preshows, or on Lakewood’s digital platforms.
Faith in Action
Viewers are also encouraged to share their prayer needs and longings by submitting them to the Online Vision Wall, a virtual space created to inspire collective faith and intercession.
“We want to unite our faith with yours,” reads the invitation. “Let’s believe God together for the dreams and visions He’s placed in your heart.”
Osteen’s Palm Sunday sermon, filled with themes of joy, courage, and divine praise, served as a spiritual call to action leading into Holy Week. As one commenter put it, “After that message, I’ll never let a stone cry out in my place.”
For continued inspiration and weekly messages of hope, viewers are encouraged to subscribe to Joel Osteen’s YouTube channel and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
To support the ministry or catch a replay of the full service, visit: www.joelosteen.com/how-to-watch/live
