Today I preached a sermon on preparing ourselves for Easter Sunday.  As part of the practical application I put together a 2 week plan.  Each day has a different activity to do.  It starts tomorrow.  You certainly don’t have to do the list the I have suggested.  In fact, you don’t have to do any preparation at all.  I am sure that no matter what you do, if you worship with other believers on Easter Sunday morning then it will be a blessing.  That said, I can’t help but believe that if we intentionally prepare ourselves for that day then we will come to worship on April 12th with an expectancy that we otherwise would not have.  This expectancy and anticipation will reap great rewards as you pour out your heart to the Lord on that Sunday.  I have challenged my congregation to take this two week challenge.  I can’t wait to hear how God works through this even before we get to Easter Sunday.  Oh, one more thing: if you do the challenge, always read  the next day’s task the night before.  You will want to know what your task is before you rush into your day.

Here is my plan:

A Pathway of Preparation
to Celebrate the Passion of Christ

Monday (3/30): At least five times today, ask God to begin preparing your heart to celebrate the Passion. (i.e. first thing in the morning, before your 3 meals of the day, last thing before you go to bed)

Tuesday (3/31): Praise the Lord today for His grace. Remember the sin of your past, and thank God that it is gone and that you are free. Look up 2 Corinthians 5:17, write in on an index card, carry it with you, and read it as many times as you can.

Wednesday (4/1): Ask God to reveal to you any areas of your life that are out of line with His will for you. Confess those sins and receive the renewal of His forgiveness.

Thursday (4/2): Identify 2 people in your circle of influence that you can serve. Do an act of kindness or service anonymously for them today. (This can be for a family member but make sure you include those outside your family as well.)

Friday (4/3): Make a list today of everything you are grateful to God for. You should be able to come up with many things. Carry this list with you for the week. Reflect on it often and add to it when you are reminded of more things you are grateful for.

Saturday (4/4): Ask at least one stranger today, “How can I pray for you today?” Make sure you pray for them!

Sunday (4/5): Pray for at least 3 people in your circle of influence who are unchurched and/or unbelievers. Pray that God will pierce their hearts over the next week. Invite them to worship with us Easter Sunday.

Monday (4/6): Give away something special to you to someone who can use or appreciate it. Tell him or her, “This is just a small token, symbolic of the great blessings that God has given to me. As He gave to me, I give to you.”

Tuesday (4/7): Ask at least 3 people today, “Do you know what’s coming on Sunday?” If they aren’t sure, say, “Sunday we celebrate the greatest event in the history of mankind: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Would you like to go with me to the celebration?”

Wednesday (4/8): Read John 19…slowly.

Thursday (4/9): Recall a hymn or praise song that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Play or sing it first thing in the morning to get it in your head. Keep it in your mind and on your mouth all day long. Prayerfully prepare for the Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 PM, and consider who you might invite who needs to hear this tremendous presentation.

Friday (4/10): It was on a Friday that Jesus died for our sins. Today, to keep that on your mind, look up Isaiah 53:5, write in on an index card, carry it with you, and read it as many times as you can.

Saturday (4/11): Saturday was a dark day for the followers of Jesus. As they had watched Him die and now He was buried. Their hope was shattered…or was it? We know what happens on Sunday. Today, find someone you know who has lost a loved one this year. Don’t look to give them answers or eliminate their grief; however, write them a note or give them a call and just let them know that Jesus loves them, you love them, and you are there for them. Ask them how you can pray for them today.

Sunday (4/12): Christ the Lord is risen today! Your final step of preparation is to ready your heart for worship! Eliminate distractions. Focus your mind. Let nothing keep you from giving your whole self to exalting your King. Come and worship the risen Savior together with other believers!