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.