Jesus, we join with the choirs of heaven in celebrating your resurrection! You are the mighty, powerful, and awe-inspiring God. I pray that this resurrection life would be carried with me wherever I go. Lead me to bring it to my home, office, family, school, and wherever I may find myself. Grant me the resurrection life that lives in the power of the Holy Spirit, daily - the same power that conquered the grace lives within me. How I long to live that way. Amen.

As you eat with family, friends, loved ones, or alone today, savor each bite. Take moments to eat and drink slowly, focusing on the joy you experience with the food and people around the table. At some point during the meal, stop for prayer and celebrate that this is just a small picture of the feast that will take place in eternity when God has made all things new in the renewal of heaven and earth.

Father, the effects of sin are everywhere. Today, and every day, I am reminded of the brokenness that is rampant everywhere. As I contemplate your death, I lament the sin, death, and loss of this world. I know this is not what you originally designed. We were meant to know you and be fully known, but that is broken. Give me the strength today to sit in the pain of my story, or someone else's. Give me a heart like yours, who weeps with us, not abandoning us, but sitting in the suffering, disappointment, and pain. As I fast today, make these hunger pangs a cry from my body to you. Draw my mind to your goodness and remind me of your faithfulness. Help me to hold these things in tension: you are good and this life is hard beyond words. Allow this time to remind me that this is not the end; one day, you will renew everything. Amen.

Fasting is the practice of going without food for a specific amount of time for a spiritual purpose. Dedicate this day to going without food (a meal, 12 hours, or a full 24 hours) and dedicate time to prayer. As your body cries out with hunger, turn that into a prayer asking that your soul would hunger for God. As you ache, think of those in your life who are hurting and ask that God would meet their need.

Righteous God, we ask for your compassion. We have sinned against you and will continue to do so. I confess that I have fallen short of your standards and ask for your strength to resist sinful desires. Today, I am mindful that it was my sin that put you on the cross, and you bore it willingly. I pray that I would not take that sacrifice lightly. I desire to live a life that Paul describes as “crucified with Christ” so that it is “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Continue to reveal sins gently, matching my sorrow with grace and compassion. I am so thankful for the forgiveness you offer us. Amen.

Take a few moments to take your unrepentant sin to the Father. If necessary, apologize and ask for forgiveness from anyone you have wronged.

Gracious Savior, give me the courage to stand for you even as it costs. As I read the stories of Peter and the apostles running in your time of need, convict me for the times I have run from being identified with you. Your word promises to give us the courage we need for each day. Give me that courage today. I ask for opportunities to stand with you, Jesus, and the determination to move forward in obedience. My hope is in your name, I pray that would be known today. Amen.

Before leaving the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples spent time singing hymns of praise, potentially one of the Psalms. We can simply join in this by praying the scripture to God. In addition to the prayer above, look through Psalms 113-118 and use one as a template for a prayer of worship to God.

Lord, today I submit myself before you. These humble and meager offerings are what you desire. As your word says, you do not offer a sacrifice, or I would bring it. The sacrifices pleasing to the Lord are a humble and contrite heart. So, just as this woman brought an offering, I bring all of myself. I bring my talents, gifts, abilities, bank account, career, and opportunities. Use these elements for a greater purpose. Make them something that brings glory and honor to your name, causing me to disappear in the light of your goodness. If there is anything you would have me do, reveal it to me now, God. Amen.

Take time today to pray and ask God how He is calling you to be generous in this season. It could be your finances or your time. Once God lays something on your heart, take immediate action to be obedient.

King of all, we ask that you return soon. We eagerly anticipate the day we will see you as heaven comes to earth and all things are made new. As we wait for you, give us eyes to see you in our everyday lives. May we live every day as if you could return now, submitting ourselves to you again and again. Grant us the strength to move forward in obedience as we await your return. Amen.

In prayer today, sit in silence for a moment and invite God to fill the silence with His presence. It may be odd at first, but set a timer for 5 minutes, put away all distractions, and allow God to speak in this moment.

God of all, we repeat David's words in Psalm 139 when we ask that you search us to find any offensive way within us. As things are brought to mind, we ask for forgiveness for our pride, greed, lust, anger, and unforgiveness. Cleanse us and transform us evermore into your image. Amen.

Take time today and ask God to reveal someone you could invite to Easter service. It could be a friend, coworker, or family member. Reach out to them specifically and directly to invite them to hear the good news of Jesus’ resurrection!

Heavenly Father, as we remember this day when you entered Jerusalem in glory, we ask that it be the frame of our hearts. Create in us hearts that would shout “Hosanna” from the depths of our being. We ask that all we do and all we are be instruments of worship to you, King of Heaven. Amen

Grab a notebook or piece of paper and journal a prayer of worship to God. Use this time only to glorify God, not bringing requests before Him. It could be about an answered prayer, His creation, family or friends in your life, or whatever comes to mind.