There is something truly incredible about the Easter story. Not only do we see it woven with hope and healing, redemption and grace, and truth and light. We see that good prevails, even when the world appears dark and lost. Easter and the Lenten season make a bold statement that declares our God is purposeful, even if the outcome looks bleak.
This time of year, whispers the true nature of our God, inviting us to discover the Easter story as we pause, honor, and reflect on the forty days Jesus spent fasting and earnestly praying in the wilderness. It gives us a unique and in-depth encounter with Jesus. A Savior that is fully human and fully divine. One who combats evil with good, conquering the grave, giving His all so that we could truly live!
There is so much meaningful symbolism tucked within the gospels that captures the intentionality of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we dig into the days that lead us from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, it signifies a time of preparation and testing. Jesus knew this time was needed and that His time had come, so He retreated in solitude to appear before God with humility and sheer reliance on the Father.
This is a message for us, as believers, too! While we know the Easter story and how it ends, let us not get swept up in the wave of religious traditions and practices so that we fail to retreat and spend time alone with God. As we do so, we begin to understand the power of our prayers and the purpose of the pivotal plot that leads us to God’s promise.
Now might be a good time to grab a coffee, your Bible, and maybe a journal. Then find a quiet spot to settle in, because this Lenten season, we are going to pause and ponder the rich promises God gives us. Then lift our hearts in humble prayer as we invite God into our hearts and seek His forever faithfulness.
A Prayer to Seek God, First
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
Father God, I come before You with a soft heart and long to seek Your holy presence. Thank you for being a faithful Father and giving me the ability to humbly come before You and ask for grace, compassion, and peace. As I draw closer to the Easter season, please place on my heart the areas of my life I need to hand over to You. Lead and guide me to live purposefully and cling to the bounty of your love and promises. Amen.
A Prayer to Tune into Truth
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
O God, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. I am ever so grateful for the power and protection Your Word provides me. This season is so sweet; please don’t let me miss out on the opportunity to learn and gain more from the powerful message given to us in those most precious pages. Give me space to sit at Your feet and become enamored by the truth in Your Word. May I live for it, breathe it in, and walk in obedience. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Prayer for Spiritual Battles and Temptations
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Lord Jesus, I boldly proclaim Your name. Your name is a force that carries me, guides me, and protects me. This world may be riddled with evil, but Your name alone shatters the lies, breaks the enemy’s tactics, and makes the demons shudder. Please place a hedge of protection around me, my family, my church, and my friends. Allow us to stand firm in our convictions as we come to You and seek Your mighty army to fight on our behalf as we face spiritual giants and undertake battles in this life. Amen.
A Prayer to Remember the Power of the Cross
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
Oh, the power and nature of what took place for me and all of humankind on the cross when You declared, “It is finished.” Jesus, I am in awe of Your goodness, Your unconditional love, and Your selfless and ultimate sacrifice. Thank you – for everything. That doesn’t even seem to be enough, but my heart longs to give You all my thanks and praise. Jesus, I long to provide you with my life, my worship, my heart, my all. I love you and pray I honor You all the days of my life. Amen.
A Prayer to Lean into God’s Promises
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
Gracious God, Your Word never fails or returns void. Your promises stand firm, and Your Word rings true. You are the God of promise, and You have hundreds scattered throughout Your Word. Thank you for your faithfulness and goodness. Thank you for the precious words that hold hope, renewal, and redemption. Thank you for Your Son, who was brought into this world to show us how to live in peace and love, and who was crucified so that we can gain life. Thank you for Your many promises and for Your “Yes and Amen.” You deserve all our thanks and praise. Amen.
The Easter story is filled with God’s promise of hope, renewal, and redemption. Open up your heart to receive these truths as you fast, repent, and offer a selfless sacrifice to the Lord this season.
A Promise of HOPE
1 Peter 1:3 gives us the promise of hope. Due to our sinful nature, we all deserve punishment, consequences, and ultimately should be banished to hell. Thankfully, we serve a God who is full of mercy and offers us a lifeline that leads to the glory found in His eternal kingdom.
The pathway to be “born again” and to live this life abundantly with hope after this one all started with the selfless sacrifice on the cross. Jesus provides the only way for us to be enveloped by God’s presence. That is worth rejoicing!
As you celebrate this beautiful (and solemn) time of year, take a moment to let that reality and the promise of hope settle in your heart. Let it prompt you to sing praise unto the Lord and give thanks for His ultimate sacrifice.
A Promise of RENEWAL
Read Ephesians 4:17-32. This is a bold message for us as believers. We are to embrace the truth that our God is righteous, and He wants us to live this life with assurance that our faith creates something new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to put away our old “former self” that bends towards the darkness of this world and yearn for the light that Christ gives.
Christ offers us a life that encompasses humility, purity, righteousness, and wholesome thoughts and actions of obedience. Christ provides us with the love that allows us to encourage others to seek the goodness of God and to unity as a body of believers, extending compassion and grace.
So, as you prepare your heart, mind, and soul for the Lenten season, take time to bring your faith to the feet of Jesus and ask Him to reignite areas where you need to live according to His purpose. Then lean into the promise of renewal.
A Promise of REDEMPTION
Romans 5:1-10 gives us the peace and hope we need to carry into this season, knowing that while we are all born sinners, there is a pathway to redemption. Christ didn’t just die for believers, He died for the ungodly, the haters, the sinners - for all! He died for you and for me.
It’s easy to get sucked into the lie that we are too far gone or that we are the “lost sheep” that will never find their way back to Christ. The truth is that God’s love isn’t conditional on anything we do, but based on the foundation of Who He is!
If this Easter feels heavy or you are battling a sin or way of life that defies God, remember this: Christ died for YOU! His love is so great, and His mercies are new every day. So, come. Sit at His feet. Lay down your hurt, pain, and sin. Then allow Him to love you. As you soften your heart and repent, let the promise of redemption and God’s unwavering grace fill you with peace.
May this season be a sweet one filled with God’s love as you lift your heart and prayer and become enveloped in the promise of hope, renewal, and redemption.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen
