How do you get ready for Easter? This week we are starting a new season of Lent which is a season when we prepare ourselves and our hearts for Easter. Different churches practice Lent in different ways, some celebrate the special days like Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a Pancake Tuesday) or Ash Wednesday which mark the beginning of lent and some people give something up or try to incorporate new practices into their lives. Whatever someone does, the intention is for us to be reminded of Jesus' journey to the cross and to help us to better focus on Jesus.
In order to help you prepare your hearts and minds for Easter, I want to recommend some of the amazing devotionals out there to help you on your journey.
There are several devotions to choose from ranging in length and style. The season of Lent is actually longer than 40 days because Sundays are not included in the counting of 40 days up until Easter. A 40 day devotion can offer you a break one day in the week, but perhaps you would like a reading every day, so there are longer ones available too. If you prefer, there are also once-a-week options or several shorter devotions can be used throughout the season of Lent as well.
You Version Bible App
There are several devotions available on the You Version Bible app which you can also access from your computer if you wish. If you search for the key word “Lent”, you will find several options. Some that caught my attention were “Lent Through African Eyes” (45 Days) The Mosaiek Lent Guide” (39 Days) or the YouVersion devotion titled “Lent, Make Space for what Matters” (7 days). You will get daily reminders to your phone to help you with your reading plan if you use the app.
Family Devotions
If you are looking for something to work through with your family, there are several options available. Dinnertime Devotions by Minno Kids is a great option for a weekly devotional which has a scripture reading and some great follow up questions to help families focus on Jesus. Alternatively there are several printable calendars where kids can print a calendar and count down the days one at a time. Additionally, if you are part of our congregation, we have some kits with stickers and daily scripture readings, if you haven't received one yet, just let me know if you would like one.
All people in our congregation are also invited to participate in our group art project where everyone is invited to colour in an egg which will be incorporated into a display leading up to Easter. To learn more and to get a template, follow this link here.
Art Devotional
Some of you know that I love to bridge art and faith together and I need to share with you my favourite Lent resource that I have used the past few years. Biola University has been putting together a special devotional for years through the Center for Christianity Culture and the Arts called The Lent Project which can be emailed to you daily. This devotion includes artwork, music, poetry as well as a devotion to help center your thoughts on Jesus as we journey toward Easter. This Lent, their devotions have a focus on the Psalms.
Those are only a few options. Do you have a favourite one that you would like to share with us? Feel free to add it below in the comments.
Whatever way you choose to devote your time to prepare you heart for Easter, I pray that it will be a meaningful experience to help you grow in your faith and devotion to Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Tina