Preparing Our Hearts for Easter: A Biblical Invitation to Slow Down
As we approach Easter, many Christians begin to think more intentionally about reflection, repentance, and prayer. After the crazy season of Christmas, and the never-ending feeling of winter, I need something to offer a little hope…light…and peace into my life again.
Historically, the weeks leading up to Easter have often been called Lent*—a season marked by fasting and spiritual discipline within certain church traditions.
As a Protestant, and particularly within the Baptist tradition, I do not observe Lent as a church ordinance or requirement. Scripture does not command a formal Lenten season, nor does our standing with God depend on observing a church calendar.
And yet, the biblical themes often emphasized during this time—humility, repentance, prayer, and preparation for worship—are deeply rooted in Scripture. For that reason, I believe the weeks leading up to Easter can serve as a meaningful opportunity to slow down and prepare our hearts intentionally before the cross and resurrection. It isn’t something I have done or practiced, but wanted to see if this year could be different.
I didn’t want Easter to come up and surprise me. I want to prepare my heart for the beauty of the cross and be able to celebrate with joy the power of the resurrection.
Why Preparation Matters
Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to pause, examine their hearts, and return to Him.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24)
Preparing our hearts before Easter is not about earning God’s favor. It’s about remembering the gospel we already live by—Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf.
Rather than rushing toward Easter morning, there is wisdom in walking thoughtfully toward the cross. So that’s why I’m starting this new series.
Why the Psalms Guide Us Well
If you have been following me, even for just a little while, you know I love the Book of Psalms. I’ve been reading and studying the psalms for over a decade. As I prepare my heart, I want to use that book of the Bible as our starting point.
The Psalms teach us how to pray honestly. They give voice to repentance, sorrow, longing, trust, and praise—all responses Scripture encourages in believers. When we don’t know how to pray, the Psalms give us words grounded in truth and shaped by faith.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
This is why the Psalms make such a fitting companion as we prepare for Easter.
What This Series Is / Is Not
This series is:
- A voluntary, Scripture-centered journey toward Easter
- An invitation to prayer, reflection, and repentance
- Rooted in the Psalms and shaped by biblical theology
This series is not:
- A requirement or spiritual obligation
- An endorsement of Lent as a church ordinance
- A measure of spiritual maturity or devotion
Looking Ahead
In the weeks ahead, we’ll walk toward Easter together through the Psalms—learning how to pray honestly, wait faithfully, and trust God more deeply. Next week, we’ll begin by remembering who we are and who God is, starting where Scripture often does: with humility, mercy, and hope.
Lord,
As we prepare for Easter, help us slow down.
Teach us to pray honestly and walk humbly with You.
Amen.
*This series is a voluntary, Scripture-centered invitation to prayer and reflection as we prepare for Easter, not an observance of Lent as a church ordinance or requirement.
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