Prayer for listening – Matthew 17: 1 -9
Matthew 17:1-9
Christ revealed as God’s beloved Son
17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
17:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light.
17:3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
17:4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
17:5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.
17:7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”
17:8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Gracious God,
We do not listen.
We do not listen with our hearts.
We do not listen deeply.
We confess,
It is easier not to listen.
If we do not listen, we do not have to respond.
If we truly listen, we may be changed.
Yet you have said,
“This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
Help us to listen.
Help us to listen with our hearts.
Help us to listen deeply.
Teach us to attend to Jesus’ words and to follow his actions.
When we listen, we begin to see the complexity of the world.
When we listen, we are moved to respond.
When we listen to Jesus, we are challenged to live and act
from a place of love, peace, and hope for the sake of the world.
Amen.
