A Prayer of Wonder at the Beauty of Winter - Your Daily Prayer - January 29

A Prayer of Wonder at the Beauty of Winter
By: Emma Danzey

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Bible Reading: “For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.” - Job 37:6

The word snow might mean excitement for you, it could be your everyday scenario in the winter, or it might be a dread to you. Depending on where you live, your reaction to the fluffy white precipitation will vary. However, no matter who we are, we can pray and ask God to help us to have wonder this winter at the beauty of His creation.

Snow days are slim where I’m from, so I am in the category of people who love the snow. I have a picture of my two college roommates, one from the south is watching out the window, mesmerized by the snowstorm. The other, from the north is sitting on the couch working on her homework with indifference. It still makes me laugh to this day. The snow was the same, but the reactions were completely different.

Some of my favorite memories are beautiful snow days when the trees, grass, and homes are blanketed with a winter wonderland. Children and adults alike put on their warm winter gear and play outside. The sledding, the snowball fights, snow cream, and just walking in the delight of a special time of year. One of the best opportunities to take when it snows is to walk outside in your yard at night and look around at how everything is illuminated by the reflections of the bright snow and the sky with the streetlights. For a minute, it almost does not even feel like nighttime because of how clearly you can see.

Maybe you take great happiness in seeing your dog jump through the snow, making paw prints. Perhaps you love to sit inside by a cozy fire and gaze out the window at the artistic perfection of God. Or you might be someone who tries to head up the mountain for the ideal skiing conditions. Whatever gets you in awe of our Creator this winter, may we not let the moments pass by where we can slow down and worship Him for His stunning masterpieces.

Let's Pray:

Dear Creator of Winter Beauty,

Thank You for helping us to remember to be still and know that You are God this winter. Thank You for opening our eyes to the purity, holiness, and majesty of You. The snow reminds us of Your sacrifice on the cross that leads our scarlet sins to be washed whiter than snow. As we look at the gorgeous art that only You can produce this winter, may we remember Your love for us.

Thank you for the mystery and delight at the sight of the winter wonderland. Would you enable us to be in wonder at the work of Your hands? Open our hearts to have child-like excitement. Give us great joy and gladness as we rest, play in, and gaze at the beauty around us. Help me to walk outside and look at the details around me. Help me to appreciate that each snowflake is individually designed by You. We know that no two snowflakes are alike. As we enjoy the big picture or many snowflakes that have created the scenic view, help us to look closer and remember that this is accomplished by many individual snowflakes.

We pray that even as we look at trees that have no leaves, may it remind us of the strength and the plan that You have for us in every season. Help us be reminded that those trees will bloom again. As we experience the cold, may it remind us of the gift of shelter, food, and warm clothing. May we have overflowing gratitude for the blessing that You provide. Help our hearts to be set on You, so that we do not miss the moment. Instead of wishing a season away, empower us by Your Spirit to press into it and find the good in it. Whether or not winter is our favorite or a hard time of year, we ask for the wonder of the beauty found within it. May we not miss that You fulfill Your promise to work all things together for the good of those who love You. Amen.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.

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