Cultivating Awe and Wonder in Prayer Life Biblically

Cultivating awe and wonder in prayer involves recognizing the majesty and mystery of God, which can transform one's approach to divine converse. Prayer itself is understood as direct address to God, an "intercourse of the soul with God," rather than mere contemplation or meditation ^[3]. It encompasses various forms, including oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal expressions ^[3]. The biblical witness frequently links prayer with expressions of profound reverence and an acknowledgment of God's extraordinary nature.

The concept of awe in a biblical context is often intertwined with fear, not as terror, but as a deep reverence for God's power and holiness. Psalm 2:11 exhorts, "Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling" ^[1]. This "fear of the Lord" is presented as a source of "strong confidence" and "serenity of mind," enabling individuals to maintain their "purity and their peace" regardless of circumstances ^[13]. It grants boldness before God and the world, fostering a sense of security ^[13]. This reverence is a foundational element for approaching God in prayer.

Wonder, on the other hand, arises from contemplating God's marvelous works and attributes. The psalmist declares, "I will give you praise, for I am strangely and delicately formed; your works are great wonders, and of this my soul is fully conscious" (Psalm 139:14 BBE) ^[7]. This passage highlights an internal recognition of God's wondrous creation, extending to the intricate design of human beings. Similarly, the New Testament records instances where "amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, 'We have seen strange things today'" (Luke 5:26) ^[5]. This reaction combines both awe (fear) and wonder (seeing strange/marvelous things), leading to the glorification of God.

Scripture presents numerous examples and directives for prayer that inherently foster awe and wonder. Prayer is commanded in passages like Isaiah 55:6, Matthew 7:7, and Philippians 4:6 ^[4]. It is to be offered to God, to Christ, and to the Holy Spirit, always through Christ ^[4]. The act of prayer is described in ways that suggest deep reverence: "bowing the knees" (Ephesians 3:14), "lifting up the soul" (Psalm 25:1), "lifting up the heart" (Lamentations 3:41), and "pouring out the soul" (1 Samuel 1:15) ^{[3, 4]}. These physical and emotional postures reflect an attitude of humility and profound respect before the divine.

The content of prayer, as illustrated in the Bible, also encourages a sense of awe. Individuals pray for God's presence and support (Psalm 10:1, 102:2), for the Holy Spirit not to be withdrawn (Psalm 51:11), for divine comfort (Psalm 4:6, 119:76), and for teaching and direction (Job 34:32, Psalm 27:11, 143:10) ^[2]. These petitions acknowledge God's sovereign power to provide, guide, and sustain, reinforcing a sense of dependence and wonder at divine capability.

The "wondrous things in God's law" are not merely surprising but "excellent things, which are to be highly esteemed and valued" ^[12]. Matthew Henry notes that if there are wonders in the law, "much more in the gospel, where Christ is all in all, whose name is Wonderful" ^[12]. This perspective suggests that a deeper understanding of God's revelation, particularly through Christ, naturally leads to increased wonder.

The attributes of God, when contemplated, also inspire awe. His "loving-kindness" is described as great, excellent, good, marvelous, multitudinous, everlasting, and merciful ^[6]. It is "better than life" (Psalm 63:3) and is experienced through Christ (Ephesians 2:7, Titus 3:4-6) ^[6]. Reflecting on these qualities—God's mercy, steadfastness, and boundless love—can deepen one's sense of wonder during prayer.

The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, serves as a model for prayer that, while simple, implicitly cultivates awe ^[8]. Its opening, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9), immediately establishes a tone of reverence for God's holy name and heavenly dwelling ^[8]. This contrasts with "vain repetition" and encourages a focused, respectful approach to God ^[8]. The petition "may your name be kept holy" acknowledges God's supreme holiness, which is often profaned by human sin ^[8].

The practice of "calling on the Lord" is a recurring theme in Scripture, associated with those who possess "pure hearts" (2 Timothy 2:22) ^[9]. This act of invocation itself implies a recognition of God's authority and presence. The apostle Paul frequently concluded his letters with prayers and blessings that reflect a deep sense of God's presence and peace, such as "The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means" (2 Thessalonians 3:16) ^[11]. This echoes Jesus' blessing in John 14:27 and highlights the constant awareness of the Lord's presence ^[10].

Prayer, therefore, is not merely a request for needs but an engagement with the divine that should be marked by profound respect and admiration for God's character and works. The biblical emphasis on God's power, mercy, and wondrous nature provides a rich foundation for cultivating awe and wonder in one's prayer life.

Sources

Psalms “Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. -- Psalms 2:11”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chr. 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph. 3:14). Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold inter”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
Luke “Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” -- Luke 5:26”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Loving-Kindness of God, The — Is through Christ -- Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4-6. Described as Great. -- Ne 9:17. Excellent. -- Ps 36:7. Good. -- Ps 69:16. Marvellous. -- Ps 17:7; 31:21. Multitudinous. -- Isa 63:7. Everlasting. -- Isa 54:8. Merciful. -- Ps 117:2. Better than life. -- Ps 63:3. Consideration of the dealings of God gives a knowledge of -- Ps 107:43. Saints Betrothed in. -- Ho 2:19. Drawn by. -- Jer 31:3. Preserved by. -- Ps 40:11. Quickened after. -- Ps 119:88. Comforted by. -- Ps 119:76. Look for mercy through. -- Ps 51:1. Receive mercy through. -- Isa 54:8. Are ”
Psalms “Psalms 139:14 (BBE) — I will give you praise, for I am strangely and delicately formed; your works are great wonders, and of this my soul is fully conscious.”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 2:22: 2:22 those who call on the Lord: Cp. Ps 99:6; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; 9:14, 21; 22:16; Rom 10:12-13; 1 Cor 1:2. • with pure hearts: Cp. 1 Tim 1:5.”
2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: 3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:18: Observe here, 1. That there are wondrous things in God's law, which we are all concerned, and should covet, to behold, not only strange things, which are very surprising and unexpected, but excellent things, which are to be highly esteemed and valued, and things which were long hidden from the wise and prudent, but are now revealed unto babes. If there were wonders in the law, much more in the gospel, where Christ is all in all, whose name is Wonderful. Well may we, who are so nearly interested, desire to behold these wondrous things, when the angels themselves ”
Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:26: In these two verses we are invited and encouraged to live in the fear of God by the advantages which attend a religious life. The fear of the Lord is here put for all gracious principles, producing gracious practices. 1. Where this reigns it produces a holy security and serenity of mind. There is in it a strong confidence; it enables a man still to hold fast both his purity and his peace, whatever happens, and gives him boldness before God and the world. I know that I shall be justified - None of these things move me; such is the language of this confidence. 2.”

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