“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36 NIV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
The Mount of Transfiguration is one of Scripture’s most breathtaking moments. On that mountain, heaven touched earth in an unmistakable way. Now, in this opening conversation of “TRANSFIGURATION PRAYER: Where Heaven Meets Here,” we begin a new journey—one that will lead us up the mountain with Jesus to learn more about prayer. (You can listen to the podcast introduction here.) Prayer isn’t simply about words we speak in life; it’s about being with the One who speaks life into us. As we step into this series, may our hearts be ready to experience what happens when transformation meets transfiguration. Let’s start by seeking Jesus in His Word, asking Him the questions, what, why, and how about this Scripture.
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
Jesus didn’t climb the mountain for rest, fame, nature time, or even solitude. He went there specifically to pray – and He took others there with Him. As He was praying, His appearance changed: His face shone and His clothing glowed. Prayer became the place of transfiguration, the meeting point between glory and humanity. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus about His coming mission. There, Peter, James, and John witnessed something no one had ever seen before: Jesus, radiant in His Father’s presence. This mountain moment shows us something, too: that prayer is a sacred place we encounter the living God. ~ What does the detail as He was praying tell us about transfiguration? What must it have been like to witness this moment on the mountain? Do you envision prayer more as a way to say your words or as a place to meet with God?
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
Prayer was always central to Jesus’ life. He taught His disciples how to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…” (Luke 11, Matthew 6). Now, He showed them how to pray. The Transfiguration was a living demonstration that prayer changes things, beginning with the one who prays. Jesus had taught them the words; now He showed them the wonder. The glory revealed on the mountain flowed out of Jesus’ relationship with His Father. When the disciples saw His face shining, they were witnessing what happens when divine fellowship overflows into visible transformation. Prayer revealed God’s glory through Jesus; it can reveal His glory through us as well! ~ Why do you think Jesus took His three disciples along with Him? Why do we need both teaching about prayer and examples in prayer? How can you let prayer move from something you say to something you experience? Who is an example of prayer in your life?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
The invitation of “Transfiguration Prayer” is simple yet profound: spend time in Jesus’ presence and learn from those who spend time with Him. Transfiguration is other-wordly, something we probably won’t fully experience until eternity. However, transformation is the beginning of that, and it happens when we draw near to Jesus now. We can follow Him, listen to Him, and let Him reshape our hearts. When we choose prayer over distraction, stillness over striving, and presence over performance, we will begin to see His glory reflected in our own lives. The more time we spend with Him, the more His likeness becomes visible through us. ~ How can you intentionally make space today to be with Jesus in prayer? Will you intentionally lean into prayer this week, walking through the coming conversation guides about those who were on the mountain with Jesus? Who in your life models what it means to walk closely with Him, and what can you learn from their example?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
Jesus didn’t climb the mountain alone; He brought three disciples with Him. Prayer is personal, but it’s never meant to stay private. As we begin this journey of “TRANSFIGURATION PRAYER: Where Heaven Meets Here,” invite someone to climb the mountain with you: maybe a friend, your child, your spouse, or a small-group partner. Share what God is teaching you. Pray together today, in person or in a zoom call. When we spend time with the Lord and “Seek Him,” He transforms us; then, when we “Speak Him,” He uses us to help others experience that same transformation. God, please lead us up the mountain of prayer in a new way, so that together we can see Your glory reflected in our Jesus stories.
Up Next:
“TRANSFIGURATION PRAYER: Moses Teaches Us to INTERCEDE in Prayer” (Convo #2)
