Day 10 of 40 Following the Prayer Steps of Jesus

by Chris on 27. Feb, 2010 in Blog, Training & Spiritual Disciplines

This entry is part 13 of 40 in the series 40 Days Following The Prayer Steps of Jesus

footprint9Today is the 10th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event: 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”— not knowing what he said. 34As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”(Luke 9:28-35 ESV)

This is the second time in Luke 9 where perception follows prayer.  Jesus prays and is literally transformed before Peter, John, and James.  A veil is lifted and the three are permitted to see Jesus’ glory and hear the divine affirmation: “This is my Son.”  Jesus’ prayer leads to them seeing and hearing what they had never heard nor seen before.

I often lament that God does not audibly speak today as he did during the days of the events of the Bible.  I often complain that God does not visibly appear today as he did during the days of the events of the Bible.  But could it be that God is speaking–I just am not listening?  Could it be that God is appearing–I am just not watching?  Could it be that through a deeper practice of prayer, I too might see and hear what I have never heard nor seen before?

Pray throughout this day this simple prayer: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.  I want to see you.”

SHARE WITH OTHER READERS BELOW ONE PRACTICE/HABIT WHICH HAS ENABLED YOU TO DEEPEN YOUR PRAYER LIFE…

(Note: this series pauses each Sunday, with new material arriving on Monday)

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninabradica/2225017638/]

Series Navigation«Day 9 of 40 Following the Prayer Steps of JesusDay 11 of 40 Following the Prayer Steps of Jesus»

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  • Kevin G

    I have sometimes wondered if dispelling the notion of hearing God’s voice is just a symptom of our tradition. Just last week a woman told me she was prompted by God to come to the hospital to see her uncle. She told me this as we sat in a waiting room… she had found him unresponsive and they were performing CPR. She felt so strongly compelled to be there that she walked to the hospital because no one would give her a ride. He passed.

    This is not the first time patients and family members have told me that God has spoken to them. Numerous times people tell me they have recieved a word from God. Sometimes their stories are amazing. I am seeking to be more open to possibilties outside my own little wordview. Perhaps I am like the epileptic’s father who told Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Perhaps God does speak today. Perhaps we just can’t hear Him.

  • Jason K

    I would offer the simple pleasure of a walk as a way to deepen one’s prayer life.

    Sometimes I walk just to see God, as I did this morning. I was not disappointed. I saw God as I saw signs of awakening spring: a skunk rooting around for breakfast, a bluebird couple, the first blooming daffodil of the season. .

    Other times I walk with my eyes to the path and my mind elsewhere. Those are the times I hear God most clearly. Being out of my routine, away from distractions, in an environment I view as more natural and therefore more “of God” help open me up to God’s voice and hush the whirl of my internal and self-absorbed engine of busyness.

  • Cathlyn

    Sometimes when I think I need to hear a message from God He seems strangely silent, and other times I feel like He is prompting me to do things completely out of the ordinary. I have learned at those times that I should obey quickly because God has a task for me even if I don’t understand it or understand why. In the past I often ignored those promptings when they made me uncomfortable, trying to convince myself, “That’s just a crazy idea…” well, maybe it is a crazy idea, but if it is from God then there is a purpose for it. In the past year especially I have tried to practice silence and solitude and stop talking so much at God. He has prompted me to do some amazing things, many of which have been way out of my comfort zone. I am learning that my comfort zone is largely irrelevant when it comes to following God; if I can trust Him that “all things work together for good for them who love God,” then I can follow Him anywhere He leads.