A Prayer to Rekindle Your Sense of Awe
By Lia Girard
Bible Reading:
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
Listen or Read Below:
Whether it’s reading the psalms, writing my own musings, or perusing a variety of published collections cover-to-cover — I just love poetry. I’m drawn to its vulnerability and imagery.
To me, it’s a medium where humankind is free to reveal unique stories, open windows of wonder, and connect with other souls.
Mary Oliver is a favorite poet of mine, as well as of millions around the world. She often speaks with tenderness and conviction about the astounding beauty of nature. Her heart beats openly in awe of the tiny and towering blessings that grace our daily lives.
As a lyrical poet, King David was also in a deep state of appreciation for God’s provisions from sunrise to sunset. While creating Psalm 65, he stood in awe of the nourishment that nature freely gives. It is a song of gratitude, and several biblical commentaries say it was intended to be sung at a public observance. It’s likely that a large gathering sang this psalm of praise to God, in celebration of deliverance, abundance, and the beauty of nature.
Whether we sing about it, write it down, or just soak it in, we are all blessed by nature with a symphony of colors and sustenance from seed to harvest. We can hear the voice of God — in the wind and rain, in a bevy of birdsong... and so much more.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 1:20 that God's eternal power is seen in creation. In this verse, he encourages readers to know God by seeking proof of him in the creatures, landscapes, and skies.
There are many examples of God’s spectacular creativity in the Bible, and we continue to see it reflected in the works of famous photographers, musicians, and artists of all kinds. And although I try to write poetry sometimes, I’m often distracted by must-dos, social media must-haves, and deadlines just like you. However, scripture reminds me of the value of seeking God in the smallest feather or faintest whisper. Simply taking a walk outdoors can rekindle your sense of awe. It can give you a firsthand taste of God’s love.
When you spend time in nature, you can collect a kaleidoscope of natural wonders with your senses or just study a single clover. The opportunities to be inspired and amazed are endless, every single day. Nature is always painting a living tapestry of God’s handiwork.
So, today — if you’re feeling a bit stuck, underwhelmed, or overworked — I urge you to plan a pause in nature. Let yourself slowly consider the intricacy of a blossom, the sturdiness of a stone, the architecture of a shell, or the dance of a butterfly. Find a moment to savor the impeccable detail and devotion of our Lord, in a leaf, a creek, or a picturesque view.
Then allow a sense of awe to cleanse your spirit.
Making space to be awestruck will remind you that God weaves the most fragile of miracles, and a masterpiece of infinite stars that can take your breath away.
As the poet Mary Oliver so rightly says, “When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, I love that you give us all of creation to share.
Please bless us with the kindness to care for it and the patience to seek you in every detail.
So often, I feel that life demands so much of my time, and I forget to surrender to your presence.
Help me find time to seek you in nature, whether it's just a walk at sunrise or a weekend getaway. Show me, even during my daily responsibilities, that you are Lord of all. Send me a beautiful sight or sound that radiates your glory.
I’m ready to rekindle my sense of awe. I want to restore my faith that even when life feels heavy, you are right there, reminding me that you are doing more than I could ever imagine.
Thank you for the sun, water, air, and nutrients we need, but also for the gracious gifts of nature that showcase your gentleness and majesty.
I praise you and thank you for all creation.
Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: @Getty Images/Oleh_Slobodeniuk
Lia Girard is a seasoned writer and voice artist who formerly served as the Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com. She is the author of Wisdom at Wit’s End: Abandoning Supermom Myths in Search of Supernatural Peace, and enjoys spending time with her husband and grown children or walking in the woods with God.
Related Resource: Starting 2026 with Intention: Confidence, Diligence, and God’s Direction
As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God’s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series — a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you’ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.
I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual “one word,” not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I’ll be offering this month — confidence and diligence — and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God’s faithfulness over time.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
