The

encounter between Jesus and the disciples from Emmaus has much to

teach us about prayer. The day Jesus rose from the dead was the most

glorious day in history. But later that day, the risen Lord assumed

the role of an anonymous traveling companion. It’s striking that

the Lord of glory would so humbly seek out two discouraged

individuals.

This

assures us that when we feel abandoned by God, he is still present

with us. Perhaps we don’t recognize God’s presence because a

difficult situation has taken up all of our attention. But God is

with us nonetheless.

Consider

too how patient Jesus is as the two disciples talk about the events

that took place in Jerusalem over the past few days. As if Jesus

didn’t know these details! Sometimes in our prayers we pour out

every­thing in our hearts to God. And God listens! But it’s not

as though we are telling God anything he’s not aware of. He simply

lets us express ourselves. God is incredibly interested in hearing

all we have to say.

When

Jesus finally revealed his identity to the two disciples at Emmaus,

they were filled with joy. It’s the joy we feel when we realize

that God is walking with us, listening to us, and sharing his time

with us. The Lord who has come to us with humility and grace is the

one to whom we can always pray.