This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.

We are in Holy Week. The suffering, death, and glorious resurrection are on our thoughts and minds. Here are seven suggestions as you prepare for Easter: 

1. Make daily specific prayer a priority. 

Spend time each day asking for the Holy Spirit to touch everyone who will worship with you. Pray for as many church members as possible by name. Gather with your family for special times of prayer. Additionally, lead the church to pray for one another. Remember what Oswald Chambers stated, “Prayer doesn’t fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.”

2. Repent of any known sins. 

Spend time throughout this Holy Week repenting of sin, making anything right that needs to be made right, and seeking forgiveness from anyone you have wronged. 

3. Ask God to bring people into your path with whom He is already working. 

People are seeking Christ. It is beautiful when God brings them into your life. James says, “you have not because you ask not” (see James 4:2-3).

4. Look for opportunities to invite others to come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. 

Go into the “highways and byways and invite people” to be your guest this Easter. This invitation is a tremendous opening to sharing the Gospel. I find that people are receptive to hearing the Good News during Holy Week.

5. Bring people with you to worship.

Inviting is a good thing; bringing others with you is even better. This act encourages the church and can be life-changing for those who come with you. Moreover, plan on them eating your Easter meal with you and your family.  

6. Make sure the focus is on Christ.

The emphasis should not be on activities or a large attendance. Instead, our reason to celebrate is Jesus, who rose from the dead on the third day. This week, remind the staff, leaders, and church members that Easter is not about us. We gather to worship the resurrected King of kings and Lord of lords! 

7. Approach Resurrection Sunday with holy expectancy. 

I remember an interview with J.I. Packer over twenty years ago. The question, “Dr. Packer, do ‘some (certain denominations)’ Christians expect too much of God.” Dr. Packer’s piercing remark, “Perhaps it’s not that they expect too much of God; perhaps it is that we expect too little!”  

Holy Week is here. Easter is approaching. Church leaders, Ken and I, are praying for you. We are praying for your churches. We are praying that the resurrected power will be evidenced in your life this week and in everyone who worships with you on Easter. He is risen. He is risen indeed!