Sparking Wonder
Wonder Leads us INto worship.
Wonder shifts our perspective, leading our hearts into worship (an intimate expression of gratitude for God’s overwhelming mercy and grace) as we learn to treasure Him above all else.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8)
WONDER LEADS US INTO WORSHIP
When was the last time you were awestruck? How long has it been since something took your breath away? Wonder invites us to be surprised by God, to stand in awe of His holy mystery, and to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned these wonder-filled lines: Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes.
This world is shot through with wonder, yet we glimpse only a tiny fraction of it. G.K. Chesterton wrote: This world will never starve through lack of wonders, only through lack of wonder.
- illness
- anxiety
- depression
- shame
- pain
- fear
- grief
- fatigue
- loss
- broken trust
- disappointment
- too much time indoors
How do we rediscover our childlike sense of wonder?
- In humility: Acknowledging the immensity of God primes our hearts for wonder.
- Through gratitude: Thanking God (for who He is, who He created us to be, all we have, and those we love) opens our hearts to wonder.
- By slowing down: Taking the time to notice what is around us (sunlight through an open window, a chickadee at the birdfeeder, a hug from someone we love) opens our souls to fresh wonder.
- Becoming curious: Curiosity invites us to ask questions. Augustine wrote: Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea. . .question the beauty of the sky. Who made them if not the beautiful one who is not subject to change?
- Listening attentively: Listen to learn more, connect more deeply, and see God’s image shining through others.
Wonder turns our hearts toward worship.
Wonder shifts our perspective, leading our hearts into worship (an intimate expression of gratitude for God’s overwhelming mercy and grace) as we learn to treasure Him above all else.
When we bring our hearts to God in worship, He doesn’t return them in the same condition. He renews our hearts and restores us to a right relationship with Him. No matter how we come before Him (exhausted, overwhelmed by pain, lost in grief, feeling dejected, defeated by shame, restless, angry, or not even sure we believe anymore), God tenderly and compassionately meets us right there. He knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. He is doing a good work in us, one that He will carry on to completion in His own time and way—and for His perfect purpose. That may be the greatest wonder of all.
Captivated by wonder • 21 verses for 21 days
Explore wonder and its synonyms in Scripture over the next 21 days. Choose one of the following verses to read, ponder, and pray about.
When was the last time you were awestruck? How long has it been since something took your breath away? Wonder invites us to be surprised by God, to stand in awe of His holy mystery, and to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned these wonder-filled lines: Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes.
This world is shot through with wonder, yet we glimpse only a tiny fraction of it. G.K. Chesterton wrote: This world will never starve through lack of wonders, only through lack of wonder.
Questions for reflection
- Does anything surprise you about the verse you read?
- Did you learn something new?
- Did you experience wonder, awe, or astonishment today?
- Did you feel a gentle nudge toward gratitude or worship?
PRAYERS to experience greater awe and wonder
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8)
I long to experience more wonder
Oh Lord, I long to experience more wonder. Open my childlike eyes. Keep my heart open to Your extraordinary in my ordinary. Let wonder connect me more deeply to You and to others. Remind me to pause, to observe, to seek the beauty flowing from Your Hand throughout creation. May it be so, Lord. Amen.
You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14)
Open my eyes to wonder
Lord, open my eyes to the wonder of Your creation. I feel unworthy, unseen, and displaced today. I am restless and agitated. I look without seeing. I hear without listening. Please give me a glimpse of Your extraordinary creativity. Remind me again that You are the God of wonders. Open my eyes, Lord! Amen.
The detail and creativity of God’s creation are infinitely wonder-filled. (Selah Home)
God of a trillion galaxies
O, God of the wind and willows, the reindeer and the rolling sea, the one who breathed life into Adam and into me: I long to be astonished and to stand in awe, utterly amazed—for You are the God of the impossible, the God of a trillion galaxies and endless grains of sand. Yet You set eternity in the human heart. How could I not fall on my knees in wonder or humble my heart in worship? Call me back to You, God. I am Yours. Amen.
Lord, I want to stand in awe of you. (Deborah Haddix)
In awe of all You have made … except for me
Creator God, I am made in Your image, by Your Hand. How is it possible that the one who made everything out of nothing has made me, too? How can I feel so broken, so filled with shame, and so worthless sometimes? How can I stand in awe of all You have made … except for me? Is that pride? Is that me (the created) saying to You (the Creator): You made a mistake—You didn’t get it right with me? I am so sorry, Lord! I am astonished that You love me completely, perfectly, tenderly, and forever. Thank You for never giving up on me. I love You. Amen.
When our lives are focused on God, awe and wonder lead us to worship God. … Awe prepares the way in us for the power of God to transform us. (James Houston)
Surprise me with new possibilities
Gracious God, refresh me. Invite me to discover Your presence in each person I meet. Teach me when to speak and when to listen, when to ponder and when to share. Gift me with simple joy. When my day goes well, may I rejoice, and when it grows difficult, surprise me with new possibilities. Amen.
At the very best, we only have an inkling of the wonder of who God is. (Alistair Begg)
When did I lose the wonder of a child?
Lord, when did I lose the wonder and curiosity of a child? When did sarcasm and fear squeeze out delight? How I long to giggle at silly noises, to explore and engage with whatever is right in front of me, to savor and learn, to celebrate and marvel. Lord, fill me with fresh curiosity. Amen.
We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment, we are standing on holy ground. (Brennan Manning)
FREE PRINTABLES
Prayers to Experience Greater Awe and Wonder
Illness and pain can dull our vision and dampen our sense of wonder, yet God’s extraordinary imprint is on display all around us. What if wonder is His invitation to be surprised again and again? What if wonder is the beginning of true worship?
Wonder Leads to Worship
When was the last time you were wonderstruck? How long has it been since something took your breath away? Wonder invites us to be surprised by God, to stand in awe of His holy mystery, and to recognize His extraordinary in our ordinary. Wonder leads our hearts into worship.
Wonder Walks • A Prayer Guide
Wonder Walks are an invitation to savor God’s holy fingerprint in every atom of creation, to engage our senses and cultivate curiosity, to listen for His still small voice, and to delight in His extraordinary creativity.
Wonder Walks • Trail Signs
Wonder nourishes our souls, inviting us to feast on the inexplicable mystery of the Holy, witnessing God's fingerprint in every atom of creation.
Wonder Walking to See God’s Glory
Imagine the leap in my heart as I was browsing the Printable pages on the Chronic Joy website and came across Wonder Walks – A Prayer Guide. The page begins by reminding us “All of creation pulses with God’s creativity.”
Rediscovering Wonder • An Invitation to Be Amazed
Today, take the first step back into the journey of rediscovering wonder. Step outside. Close your eyes. Breathe deep. Relax your shoulders. Feel the sun on your face. How does the air smell? What is the surface beneath your feet?
