The story of the transfiguration of Jesus invites us into a time where the past, the present, and the future seem to coalesce. God’s time and timing is mysterious and beyond our understanding. God’s revelation is both glorious and terrifying. And yet, Jesus uses his own human hand to touch his friends and ground them in the reality of the present moment.
As you come into this time of listening prayer, you might pause and notice what is touching you right now. What does it feel like to feel the support of what you are sitting on? or feel one of your hands being touched, perhaps held by the other?
From this place of your body feeling grounded, safe, at ease, the ears of your heart are readied to hear a fresh word from the Spirit of God. Taking a few moments to pause and ground yourself in the present moment can help you live at the threshold of something new being birthed in you. You are readied to listen.
Matthew 17:1-9 (NIV)
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened to the text, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention? Gently repeat the word or phrase, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. Which emotions stirred within you? You might choose to journal about what you heard.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with God. Is there a prayer that rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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