What he said. What I recommend is this:
The new fuel filter will have two rubber seals protecting the ends where the fuel line will connect. When you pull the plastic clips off of the old filter and remove the fuel lines, put the rubber seals from the new filter on the old filter to minimize fuel spillage from the old filter. You will still see some fuel loss from the lines. Be sure to have a cup of some sort in place to catch the fuel.
Also, don't forget to relieve the fuel pressure by removing the #9 fuse from the power distribution box under the hood and letting the engine run until it dies out. Easy Peasy!