At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. - Mark 1:12-13

In the northern hemisphere the season of Lent corresponds with the lengthening of days as we journey toward spring. Christian tradition teaches us that Lent corresponds with the season the Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness to prepare Jesus for his public ministry. During this season Jesus communed with wild beasts and angels and was tempted by Satan. Jesus emerged from his wilderness experience and immediately proclaimed the Good News of God.

I believe God is calling the people of The United Methodist Church to more faithful, vibrant, joy and hope-filled ministry than we have ever seen. In the increasingly chaotic, doom and gloom-filled world, I believe God is calling and equipping us to discern innovative, compelling, relevant ways to proclaim the Good News of God. Perhaps, the Spirit is sending the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey Annual Conferences into a season of preparation for this new season of ministry. I believe our preparation includes our journey healing. Perhaps God has enlisted some angels to attend to us during this Lenten season in order to aid our healing. Perhaps some of those angels are the gifted persons who have written the devotions in this Lenten Devotional Booklet

As you read these devotionals, I urge you to open yourself to the healing grace and restorative mercy of our loving God. I beseech you to expect that as you read, reflect, and pray God will commune with you, lead you, carry you, and guide you toward wholeness.

Opening ourselves to God in this way is not easy. It may bring to our remembrance and consciousness situations and feelings we have long suppressed. These remembrances may tempt us to act in ways that fall short of the glory of God. When this happens, look for and reach out to the angels God has appointed to minister to you. Those angels maybe pastors, laity, trusted friends or colleagues, or mental health professionals. Look for the angels and allow God to heal.

I will be praying for your healing during this season. I ask that you do the same for me. Because come Easter Sunday morning there will be Good News for all of us to proclaim!

- Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

Past Daily Devotionals