Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV)
Read Luke 9:28-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. Verse 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. Verse 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Verse 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Verse 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -not knowing what he said. Verse 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Verse 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" Verse 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Devotion
Prayer attends the important events in Jesus’ life and ministry. This is especially apparent in Luke’s Gospel recordings and it is true at the Transfiguration of our Lord.
The trip up the mountain is to a prayer retreat. While in prayer, the important face-changing event happens.
Does prayer attend the important events in your life and the events of those you love, care for and serve? In our congregation, prayer begins and ends, gathers and sends every group at every event, be it a Bible study or job transition networking group, pre-marriage session or trip to church camp or a mission site. Prayer precedes every surgery and follows every recovery.
At Luther Seminary’s Mid-Winter Convocation, keynote speaker Mike Housholder lifted up the example of his congregation, Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa. They practice the “4G’s and DQT:” Gather, Give, Group, Grow and Daily Quiet Time.
I hope the fact that you read today’s God Pause devotion means you agree!
Prayer
Lord, in my quiet times, hear my prayers. Amen!