Preparing My Heart for Easter Paperback – October 18, 2006

This is my fourth year reading and studying "Preparing My Heart for Easter." Ann Marie Stewart has done an excellent job teaching, reminding, and helping readers in celebrating THE event that changed mankind. It makes a great gift any time of the year and it's a great addition to an Easter basket.

This was a great study to focus on the Easter story and the impact it has on our lives. I really liked having a study to do every day. The Monday studies were sometimes long and I finished them on Tuesday. That allowed me to take time to work through the scriptures and the thought provoking questions. The study material for later in the week was less research in the scripture...but did require time for reflection. The Saturday and Sunday lessons led us in worshipping God and related to the week's study. The book had ideas and encouragement for practical application of Jesus' words throughout. I liked how the study made us look in detail and deconstruct a story that we've read so many times that we think we know it. Through the course of the study, I kept finding things in scripture that I've read over and over but didn't really know! This study helped the scripture come alive for me. I especially appreciated the cultural background and context as well as the historical details. They helped me really understand the scriptures in a deeper way.I participated in this study in a unique way. I am an Army wife stationed in Pennsylvania. I connected on Facebook with a former high school classmate from Mississippi who is now living in Kentucky. She set up a Facebook group for those taking the study so we could discuss it on line through our posts. The group members were located in several states. What a blessing to feel so connected to people around the U.S. through the study of God's word--with no thought or reference to denomination...only how the understanding of God's word was enhanced through the study.This is a study that you could do annually. The questions for reflection and application would be different every time you did the study. I encourage you to plan ahead to start the study at the beginning of Lent so that you will finish the resurrection lesson on Easter Sunday.

I purchased this to review for a small group ladies bible study and knew God brought it to my heart for a reason. The ladies in our group so appreciate the way this study truly helps us prepare our hearts, focusing on Christ's journey to the cross. We have studied and learned the significance of the women in this bitter-sweet story, the culture, landscape, political parties, etc. We value the ease of reading and studying and all the pearls rendered in how Ann takes us through those pieces and parts that are often skimmed, but that hold such significance in understanding the symbolism, emotion, suffering. My first thought prior to ordering was that given the timeline...right during Easter for heaven's sake...ladies would be too busy ~ I would be too busy. I am so thankful, as are the ladies in the group, that we proceeded with this study. We have been blessed, have grown in knowledge and understanding of our Lord, and plan to do it again next year...it's just excellent. I promise that all your busyness and preparations for family gatherings will only be blessed by the focus this study brings. You truly have a Mary/Martha deision to make...Thank you.

If you want to do this study, be sure to purchase this new revised edition. Ms. Stewart made many improvements over the past editions. Easy to follow, great charts and maps. My Bible study group just finished this study. Well done daily readings, and leader guides in the back. A wonderful lead up to Easter and review any time of the year.

This is one of the best study books I've used. I learned so much. I Loe the Christmas one too. Hate when the book is finished>

One of the best Bible studies ever - it’s deep and thought-provoking. Her Christmas study is just as excellent!

This has been great for my small group of women. We have all learned so much. The Easter story is familiar to everyone, but the details she brings out have been so enlightening. Be aware that there are various videos she recommends that you purchase separately from Focus on the Family, Amazon, or download.

This is the second Lenten season that has been greatly enriched by using Ann Stewart's study. Looking at the events of Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection through the eyes of the women in his life gives such a fresh perspective to the story. As a musician, I also thoroughly enjoyed the week-end devotions based on the hymns. I highly recommend this study for those who desire a deeper walk with Christ and a fresh appreciation and gratitude for His great gift.

Love this study so much.one of the best studies I have done.