How to Keep Your Heart Burning When No One is Watching?
THE ROAD TO EMMAUS Model
“On that same day, two of Jesus’ disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, discussing all that had happened. As they talked, Jesus Himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. He asked them what they were discussing, and they explained the recent events concerning Jesus of Nazareth—a prophet mighty in word and deed—who had been condemned, crucified, and whom they had hoped would redeem Israel.
They also shared the amazement of the women who had visited His tomb and found it empty, claiming to have seen angels who said He was alive. Jesus responded, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them the Scriptures concerning Himself.
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As they approached Emmaus, they urged Him to stay with them, for the day was nearly over. While at the table with them, He took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, and He vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Immediately, they returned to Jerusalem to share with the eleven disciples and others that the Lord had risen and appeared to Simon, recounting how He was made known to them in the breaking of bread.” -Luke 24:13-35
Just as Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He continues to use the same pattern to encounter us today and ignite hearts that burn for Him. The “Road to Emmaus Model” includes:
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1. Be in God’s Presence Daily: Jesus walked with His disciples, even when they did not recognize Him. Likewise, we are called to walk with Christ daily and cultivate a deep awareness of His presence in our ordinary lives, not just on Sundays or at events. Living in continual awareness of His presence transforms everyday moments into encounters with Him. [A helpful resource for practicing this is Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.]
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2. Daily time in the Word: Scripture Revelation through Holy Spirit: Jesus desires to open the Scriptures to us by His Spirit, revealing all that points to Himself. We need Jesus, the living Word, to illuminate the written Word daily. We are called to read the Word, pray the Word, and allow the Word, God Himself, by His Spirit, to reveal truth and understanding to our hearts and minds.
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3. Daily Prayer and Communion: Jesus walked with the disciples and listened to their doubts, allowing them to express confusion before guiding them in truth. We are called to bring our struggles and questions to God in prayer, trusting that He meets us on the road. Prayer is dialogue [mostly listening] but also casting our cares on Jesus and speaking with Him in secret: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matt. 6:6).
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Communion [With God & others] Jesus also stayed with the disciples, breaking bread and sharing a meal. We are called to engage in intentional prayer and daily fellowship with God, He wants to dine with us daily. Additionally, we need communion and fellowship with others, knowing that spiritual and relational intimacy deepens our awareness of His presence and power.
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4. Gospel Remembrance: Jesus reminded the disciples of the significance of His death and revealed Himself in His resurrection through the breaking of bread in the sacrament of communion, and it was in this act that their eyes were opened (Luke 24:30–31). Likewise, we are called to remember and proclaim daily the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, allowing the Gospel to shape and renew our hearts and minds each day (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
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Through Jesus guiding the disciples in this process, their hearts were set on fire, and our hearts can begin to burn as we invite God to lead us through these same steps daily. As the disciples reflected, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32).
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Encounter Jesus daily, through:
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Seeking His presence
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Reading and praying His Word by the Spirit
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Engaging in prayer and communion
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Remembering the Gospel
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This ignites passion and devotion, creating burning hearts that long for continual worship, prayer, and intimacy with Him. True encounters also lead to action - just as the disciples were sent to share what they had seen and heard, encountering Christ compels us to testify, disciple, and join His mission, spreading His fire and revelation of Christ as the risen Savior wherever they went.