After Jesus had fed the five thousand, Luke alone records, “Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:18-20). Several instances of prayer in Jesus’ life are recorded only in Luke. This example is one of those instances in which Luke is the only author to mention it. Eight days later, again Luke alone records Jesus praying. This time, He goes to the mountain to pray, taking with him Peter, James, and John. As he was praying, these three disciples witnessed a change in his appearance. He was transfigured before them (Matthew 17:2). Luke describes this transfiguration as a change in countenance and His raiment became white and dazzling (Luke 9:28-29). Some have tried to ascertain the content of this prayer from the statement concerning His death in Jerusalem, and the content of His conversation with Moses and Elijah. This is a logical thought. However, coming into this world where His own rejected Him, Jesus yearned to be with His Father. Just to be in that sweet fellowship was sufficient to remind Him of His mission and His eventual return to the Father.
If there is any significance to Jesus being transfigured while praying, then prayer is connected to our transfiguration (Romans 12:2) as it impacts the renewing of our minds. The constant fellowship with God in prayer reminds us of God’s will, mind, and purpose. When we thus fix our affections on the things above, an inward transformation occurs that adjusts our priorities and ultimate mission on earth. The thoughts we have are thoughts of home where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break in and steal.