Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? Luke 24:18

Selah

Be still and know…

What would you say to God if you spoke completely honestly?

Not what you think you should say.

Not the polished prayer.

The real prayer.

The one beneath the smile. The one beneath the busy schedule. The one beneath the brave face.

Offer that prayer now.

Perhaps only a few words.

Perhaps only a sigh.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Reflection

One of the most striking things about the Emmaus road is how much talking there is.

The disciples pour out their disappointment. They tell the story of what has happened. They speak of their confusion, their grief and their shattered hopes.

They are not careful or composed. They are simply honest.

Prayer often begins there.

Many of us were taught that prayer means finding the right words. Yet the Bible suggests something much simpler. Prayer is bringing our real selves into the presence of God.

The psalmists did it.

Job did it.

Jeremiah did it.

Even Jesus prayed with honesty in Gethsemane.

God is not shocked by our questions. He is not offended by our doubts. He is not impatient with our fears.

The risen Christ joined the disciples while they were speaking honestly about their confusion. He did not wait until they had everything figured out.

Perhaps today God is less interested in eloquent prayers and more interested in truthful ones.

The prayer that changes us is rarely the perfect prayer.

It is the honest one.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to bring my true self before you. Receive my questions, my hopes, my fears and my thanksgivings. Teach me that I never need to hide from your love. Amen.

Road Question

What is the most honest prayer I could pray today?

Emmaus Refrain

Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road? Luke 24:32