The physical being transformed by the spiritual

While [Jesus] was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. -Luke 9:29 (NRSV)

Jesus went up the mountain to pray. He had announced that he would soon suffer great agony. The religious leaders would reject him, and he would be killed. Jesus, who was fully human as well as fully divine, must have been troubled.

As Jesus prayed on the mountain, God's glory shone through him. His face glowed, and his garments became dazzling white. The great prophets Moses and Elijah, who had died centuries before, appeared and spoke to Jesus about what was to come. Then God spoke from heaven, saying, "This is my son." After this time on the mountain, Jesus was able to face Pilate and the Roman soldiers. He was able to endure rejection, hatred, abuse, beatings, and the agony on the cross.

When we pray, we come into the presence of God, who has unlimited power and abundant resources. Sometimes when we pray God changes circumstances, and sometimes prayer changes us. Whatever form the answer takes, God's message to us is, "I love you, and I am with you always." Too many times we get in a rut and make the prayer all about the spiritual being transformed by the physical. The truth of prayer is that we, the physical is transformed by being in the presence of the spiritual.

You know I love ya, Don