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Preparing for Easter

3/13/25 | The Weekly | by Eric Wakeling

    Dear Calvary Family,

    Do you do anything to prepare for Easter, like practicing anything for Lent? I’m not just talking about giving up chocolate or fast food or alcohol. That’s great, but I’m talking more about a practice of reflection to prepare your heart, soul and mind as we head towards Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday was a week ago but I think it’s fine to start this anytime between now and Easter to bring some intentional time with the Lord into preparing your heart for this very special season in the calendar of the church.

    Most Bible apps have a few Lent devotional guides - The YouVersion Bible App has many if you search Lent under the Plans tab. Biola University has their annual devotional including curated scriptures and art for The Lent Project 2025. The Bible Project has a shorter 8-day Holy Week and Easter Reading Plan to begin on Palm Sunday featuring their animated videos and biblical insights.

    Honestly, it’s not so much about which plan you use but that you spend some time in reading and prayer each day with longing and gratitude for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

    I also recently had a friend and mentor suggest these prayer prompts for me that were very helpful. Maybe they could be a good practice for you as well. Take an hour or more with the Lord over the next week. Prayerfully reflect upon these three questions. Be patient with yourself as you listen.

    • Where is the Lord taking you these days… in your thinking?

    • Where is the Lord taking you these days… in the Scriptures?

    • Assuming that God is not surprised by all that is going on around you, that in reality he has actually been preparing you along the way… What did the Lord do to prepare you for this time you are in right now in life?

    I prayed, “If you have a word for me Lord, help me not to miss it. What do you want me to pay attention to?”

    Will you join me in prayer and reflection on the cross and the empty tomb for these next almost 40 days between now and Easter? 

    May the Lord bless you and keep you,
    Eric Wakeling