'Do You See What I See: Preparing the Way' at Batavia's Immanuel Lutheran

As opposed to the warm, celebratory feelings we enjoy in the run up to Christmas, preparation for Easter has a decidedly dark and brooding feel to it. This is absolutely appropriate, of course, as we consider the event for which we are preparing ourselves.

On weekends during Lent, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia will be considering the various ways Jesus attempted to ready his followers for what was to come in "Do You See What I See: Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Easter."

Worship is at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays at the church, 950 Hart Road.

Of all his preparations, Christ's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is undoubtedly the most memorable. The power of that prayer, of any prayer, is undeniable - and that is the topic of the first midweek Lenten meditation - "The Power of Prayer."

At midweek services at 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, learn how to find and plan time for prayer, as well as letting go and handing things over to God. Who, let's face it, already had "things" anyway.

There are also general prayers for our leaders, first responders, soldiers, the nation, and the world. And of course, there are the personal issues that send all of us to our knees from time to time. Plan to prepare your hearts for Easter this year using one of Jesus' most powerful tools - join us as our Lord teaches us to pray.

Much can be made of the Disciples' seeming inability to comprehend Jesus' purpose on earth and accept what was coming - but we should probably look in the mirror before making too much of it.

How many of us actually prepare for Easter? If we give up chocolate or video games for six weeks, what does this mean to us - how does it help us prepare?

There is undoubtedly no one who prepared better for that first Easter, so let's sit at the feet of our Master and learn how he prepared his friends for the horror and victory that was to come.

Join Immanuel Luthera for worship on Sundays through April 14, Palm Sunday, and learn from Jesus how best to prepare for this singular day, the day that salvation was secured through Jesus' suffering and triumph. Holy Week devotions take place at 7:15 a.m. Monday to Friday, April 15-19, in the chapel. Easter Vigil will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, and Easter worship at 6:30, 9, and 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 21.

For information, visit www.immanuelbatavia.org or call (630) 879-7163.