Why Slowing Down Before Easter Matters
The weeks leading up to Easter often pass quickly. Life is full, schedules are crowded, and before we know it, Easter Sunday arrives.
Scripture invites us to a different pace.
Preparing our hearts before Easter isn’t about observing a religious season—it’s about responding thoughtfully to the Gospel. The Bible repeatedly calls God’s people to pause, reflect, and turn their hearts toward Him. Even more than that, we as a society are so consumed with hurry, busy, and rushing that we rarely slow down enough to pause and reflect.
The Bible Calls Us to Intentional Reflection
Throughout the Bible, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, confess sin, and seek the Lord—not as a way to earn grace, but as a response to it. I have found the last few years really hard to slow down. I don’t do this very well, and that’s one of the reasons why I want to this year. The Gospel isn’t about just getting to heaven, it is about living freed from the power of sin here on earth. Slowing down sometimes reveals sin in our hearts!Â
“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
Slowing down allows us to tell the truth about our need for God and our dependence on His mercy. We are not freed from sin yet, and God is calling all Christians to live a holy life. (1 Peter 1:15) This journey for Lent is a way for us to move toward holiness.
You Don’t Have to Be Ready
One common misconception about spiritual preparation is the belief that we must first “get ourselves together” before approaching God. Scripture teaches the opposite. We don’t have to “clean up” or “be holy” to come approach God’s throne. As we walk through the Bible and the idea of rest and peace, God has already made a way.
God meets us where we are—not where we think we should be.
Preparing for Easter doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty. This is done through prayer. When we talk to God through prayer, we can be honest with Him about our hearts. We can confess our sins and repent over habits that are not healthy or helpful.
Making Space for Prayer
In order to be honest with God, we need to make space for prayer. Prayer is a lost art and I have been convicted this last year over the amount of time (or lack of time) I have prayed. So, will you join me as I learn to make more time for prayer?Â
As we move toward Easter, consider:
- Where has life become rushed or distracted?
- What might it look like to create space for prayer?
- How could Scripture shape your reflection during this season?
The Psalms remind us that prayer is not about saying the right words—it’s about bringing our hearts before the Lord. That is why I am using the Book of Psalms as our guide.
What This Series Is / Is Not
This series is:
- A biblical invitation to prayer and reflection
- A guide for slowing down before Easter
- Centered on Scripture, not tradition
This series is not:
- A mandated spiritual practice
- A replacement for the gospel
- A test of faithfulness
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll begin our journey through the Psalms by reflecting on humility and mercy—remembering our dependence on God and His steadfast love.
A Prayer on Preparing your heart for Easter
God of mercy, quiet our hearts and draw us near. Help us approach Easter with humility, gratitude, and trust in You alone. Amen.
As you look toward Easter, where might God be inviting you to slow down and prepare your heart more intentionally through prayer and Scripture?
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