And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. (Luke 9:29 NAS95)
Peter, James and John went with Jesus to the mount of transfiguration. Only Luke records that Jesus was praying — how or what Jesus prayed remains a question. It appears, at least from the perspective of the third Gospel, that Jesus intended for them all to pray. Peter, James and John just entered with Jesus into His normal practice. Obviously the three struggled to remain alert (they grew sleepy) in prayer with their Lord, but the transformation of Jesus got their attention and more than likely their hearts. Prayer carries weight with God and our souls.
Prayer transforms. Communion with God makes us different. Not only did Jesus appear more than majestic to His disciples as He changed before them, the communion on the mount reshaped the souls of the three with Him. Yes, they struggled with sleep, but they experienced the touch of God despite their inadequacies. Prayer requires presence to God, not perfection before God. The disciples saw what no one else has seen: Jesus as pre-incarnate Lord. The instilling of awe occurred and the touch of love followed (Matt 17:7). Prayer is not a task, but an avenue for relationship, a path for transformation, a journey of communion in conversation with God. Go to the mount. Attend to God. Pray and see!
For Reflection:
“So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.”” (Genesis 32:30 NAS95)
- How do you describe your prayer life? Exciting and invigorating? Dull and boring? Why?
- What kind of interaction do you expect from God when you pray?
