Lent Has Begun — Here's How to Prepare Your Heart for Easter

by Eunice Moon

 


"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." — Psalm 51:10


The season of Lent has officially begun, and if you've been feeling that quiet nudge in your spirit — that gentle invitation to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to God — you're not alone. Lent is one of the most sacred and meaningful seasons in the Christian calendar, and it offers us a beautiful opportunity to prepare our hearts for the greatest celebration of our faith: Easter Sunday.
Whether this is your first Lent or your fiftieth, this guide is here to walk alongside you — with practical ideas, meaningful scripture, and gentle encouragement for the 40 days ahead.


🌿 What Is Lent, and Why Does It Matter?

Lent is a 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The number 40 is deeply significant in Scripture — it mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, resisting temptation, and relying fully on God (Matthew 4:1–11).

Lent isn't about following rules or earning grace — it never could be. Grace is a gift, freely given. Rather, Lent is an intentional season to:

  • Slow down from the noise of everyday life
  • Reflect on what Jesus endured on the cross for us
  • Renew our commitment to faith and relationship with God
  • Prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection with true joy and gratitude


 


✝️ 5 Ways to Make the Most of This Lent Season

1. Choose Something to Fast From — and Something to Feast On

The most well-known Lenten practice is fasting — giving something up for 40 days. But fasting isn't meant to be a diet or a challenge. It's meant to create space.

When you feel the pull toward what you've given up — whether it's social media, sweets, Netflix, or online shopping — let that feeling become a prayer prompt. Turn that craving into a moment to say, "Lord, I need You more than I need this."

But don't stop at giving something up. Fill that space with something that nourishes your soul:

  • A daily devotional or Bible reading plan
  • Worship music during your commute
  • A gratitude journal
  • Serving someone in your community

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." — Matthew 4:4


2. Spend Time in Scripture — Every Single Day

There's no better way to prepare for Easter than to let God's Word do its work in your heart. Even 10–15 minutes a day can transform this season.

Here are some Lenten scripture readings to guide you:

Week

Focus

Key Verses

Week 1

Repentance & Renewal

Psalm 51, Joel 2:12–13

Week 2

Trust & Faith

Proverbs 3:5–6, Hebrews 11

Week 3

God's Grace & Mercy

Romans 5:1–11, Ephesians 2:4–9

Week 4

The Life of Jesus

Luke 4:1–13, John 3:16–17

Week 5

The Cross & Sacrifice

Isaiah 53, Mark 15

Holy Week

Resurrection & Hope

John 20, 1 Corinthians 15:55–57





3. Create a Sacred Space in Your Home

One of the most powerful things you can do this Lent is make your environment reflect your intentions. Your surroundings matter more than you might think.

Consider setting aside a small corner of your home as a prayer space — a chair, a window nook, a spot at the kitchen table. Add a few meaningful elements:

  • 📖 Your Bible or devotional book
  • 🕯️ A candle to light during prayer time
  • 📝 A journal for writing prayers and reflections
  • 🌿 A simple cross or piece of art with a scripture verse

When you see that space, your brain and spirit both receive the same signal: This is where I meet with God.

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." — Matthew 6:6




4. Practice Generosity and Service

Jesus didn't just preach love — He lived it, gave it, and ultimately sacrificed everything for it. Lent is a beautiful season to ask: How can I love others the way Jesus loves me?

Some simple ideas:

  • Write an encouraging note to someone who is struggling
  • Donate to a local food pantry or shelter
  • Volunteer at your church or community organization
  • Pray intentionally for people in your life by name — even people who have hurt you
  • Simply slow down and truly listen when someone needs to talk

Acts of generosity during Lent aren't about earning favor with God — they're about letting His love flow through you to others.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45


5. Walk Through Holy Week with Intention

The final week before Easter — Holy Week — is the most sacred stretch of the entire Christian year. Don't let it pass by in a blur of Easter basket shopping and ham dinner prep.

Here's a simple way to honor each day:

  • 🌿 Palm Sunday — Celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Read Matthew 21:1–11.
  • 🍞 Maundy Thursday — Reflect on the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Read John 13.
  • ✝️ Good Friday — Sit with the weight of the cross. This is a day for solemnity, gratitude, and deep reflection. Read Isaiah 53 and Luke 23.
  • 🌅 Easter Sunday — He is risen! Celebrate the resurrection with full and joyful hearts. Read John 20:1–18.




🌸 Preparing Your Heart for Easter

Easter isn't just a holiday. It's the heartbeat of our entire faith.

If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "your faith is futile." But He did rise. And because He did, everything changes — death is defeated, sin is forgiven, and we are made new.

The 40 days of Lent are a gift — a deliberate, unhurried walk toward the empty tomb.

very day of fasting, every Scripture read, every prayer whispered in a quiet room is preparing you to stand before Easter Sunday and say with full conviction:

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." — John 11:25




A Simple Lenten Prayer to Carry With You

Lord Jesus, As I walk through these 40 days, help me to lay down the things that distract me from You. Fill the space I create with Your presence, Your Word, and Your peace.

Remind me daily of what You endured on the cross — not as a burden, but as a love letter written in Your blood. And on Easter morning, let me celebrate not just a holiday, but a resurrection that has changed everything — including me. In Your name, Amen.


💡 One More Thing — Surround Yourself With God's Word

If you're looking for a beautiful way to keep Scripture at the center of your home all season long — and beyond — consider adding some Bible verse wall art to your space.

Having God's Word visible throughout your home is a simple but powerful reminder of His presence, His promises, and His grace.

We have a collection of scripture prints and faith-based digital downloads available right here on our site — perfect for printing at home and displaying in your prayer corner, living room, bedroom, or anywhere you want to be reminded of His truth.

You can also find our items on Etsy — just search for us there to browse our full collection of wall art, seasonal prints, and scripture designs.

Whether it's a verse about grace for your kitchen, a promise from Psalms for your entryway, or an Easter scripture for your mantel — let your walls speak life this season. 🌿


Wishing you a Lent full of grace, a Holy Week full of meaning, and an Easter morning full of joy.


Tags: Lent 2026, Easter preparation, Christian blog, Bible verse, scripture, Lenten devotional, faith, grace, Jesus, Holy Week, Easter Sunday, Christian living, God's Word, spiritual renewal

 

 

Back to Blog