Easter is a time of deep reflection and renewal. While we often focus on church services, family gatherings, and traditions, the true preparation for Easter begins within our hearts. How can we spiritually ready ourselves to fully embrace the power of Jesus’ resurrection? Here are four meaningful ways to prepare your heart for Easter.
What Does It Mean to Prepare Your Heart for Easter?
Imagine Jesus was coming to stay at your home next week. Would you clean every corner, remove anything unworthy, or prepare His favorite meals?
Just as we would make every effort to welcome an honored guest, preparing our hearts for Easter means making room for Jesus spiritually.
Our heart is the center of our emotions, thoughts, and relationship with God. As Ephesians 3:16-17 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Our preparation centers on deepening our relationship and allowing His sacrifice and resurrection to transform us.
Scripture on Preparing Your Heart
Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)–”For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Before leading others, Ezra first aligned his heart with God’s will. Likewise, we must set our hearts on seeking Him as we approach Easter.
Psalm 10:17 (NKJV)–“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart…”
God works within us, preparing our hearts when we come before Him with humility and a genuine desire to know Him more.
4 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Easter
1. Prioritize Prayer
Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer throughout His life, especially before His crucifixion.
John 17 records Jesus’ longest prayer, taking place at the end of the Last Supper. He prayed for Himself, His disciples and for us, His future believers.
Jesus agonizes in the garden: “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed.” Luke 22:41.
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44.
Ways to Incorporate Prayer:
Offer prayers of praise for His sacrifice and the forgiveness it brings us; our eternal life, and His power within us. Such gifts!
Ask God to fill your heart with the hope and joy that Easter brings, and to find ways to share it with others.
Pray for a surrendered heart and to pray as He did- “not my will but yours be done.” Luke 22:42
2. Immerse Yourself in the Easter Story
Deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection by engaging with Scripture, books, and films.
Read the Gospel Accounts of Easter:
Prayerfully read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ last days— the authors wrote them for different audiences and purposes. As you read them, ask God to make them come alive for you and give you new insights.
Read Books and Devotionals:
Here are some recommended classic books:
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
The Cross He Bore by Frederick S. Leahy
Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado
Meditation on the Cross by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Preparing for Easter by C.S. Lewis
Watch Easter-Themed Films:
Encounter Jesus in a different way! We’ve read the stories, but watching Jesus come to life on screen gives us insights we’ve not experienced.
The Jesus Film–Translated into over 1,800 languages, reaching billions worldwide.
The Case for Christ (2017)–The true story of journalist Lee Strobel’s investigation into Jesus’ resurrection.
The Chosen– Seasons 1-4 are available, a series about the life of Jesus and His disciples. Watch for free on the Chosen app or thechosen.tv.
The Robe–A classic story of redemption through Christ’s crucifixion. (The book is also amazing!)
3. Meditate on the Meaning of Easter
Reflection is a powerful way to prepare your heart. Set aside time each day for just you and God. Consider journaling your thoughts.
Examine your personal sin, reflecting on its seriousness. Confess and ask Him for forgiveness.
Commit to changes you can make in your life to turn from sin.
Reflect on the weight of Jesus’ suffering and His deep love for you.
Renew your commitment to living a Christ-centered life in light of His work for you on the cross.
4. Rejoice in Your Redemption Through Christ
Easter is not only about reflection—it’s a celebration of the victory Jesus won for us! Thank Him for your new life, made possible by Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17–“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
Ezekiel 36:26–“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…”
Galatians 2:20a- “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Christ makes us new, not merely improved versions of our old selves. His resurrection secured our reconciliation with God, brings eternal life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for Easter goes beyond traditions; it’s about drawing closer to Jesus; being led to become more like Him each day.
Reflect on His sacrifice, immerse yourself in His story, and rejoice in the redemption He offers. Let this season renew your faith and transform your heart.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Would you like a free devotional for Holy Week? Each day’s devotional reflects on as aspect of that day. It’s a wonderful calming pause in your busy day to step back and reflect on the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Click on the image to access it in my Free Bible Printables page.
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