This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now 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. And 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. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’” (Luke 9:28-35 ESV)
Jesus prays. And as he prays he is transformed before Peter, John, and James. A veil is lifted and the three witness Jesus’ glory and hear the divine affirmation: “This is my Son.” Jesus’ prayer leads to them seeing and hearing what they had never heard or seen before.
I often lament that God does not audibly speak today as he did back then. I often complain that God does not visibly appear today as he did back then. 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 or seen before?
Pray throughout this day this simple prayer: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see you.”
