Lent 2 | 2025
Invitation to Wonder: Look Toward Heaven
“The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward….’ He brought Abram outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And Abram believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5
A recent study found that people who attend to the wonder of the night sky enjoy improved mental health and happiness and experience the stress reducing benefits of the calming nocturnal environment. The Bible, too, urges us to gaze upward. Just as God promises Abram a future as abundant as the stars above, the Apostle Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
None of this would surprise Vincent Van Gogh, who wrote, “When I have a terrible need of—shall I say the word—religion. Then I go out at night and paint the stars.”
Tonight let’s get outside and try stargazing! The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1) Are you ready?
Find Your Spot
Choose a quiet place where you can be comfortable and still (your backyard, a park, a rooftop, or even by a window).
Read: “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26)
Skim through this guide so you will be able to set it aside and savor the darkness.
Set a Spiritual Intention
Slow down with the Psalmist, “O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the Lord.” (Ps. 27:18)
As you begin, say a short prayer to invite God into this moment.
“Lord, as I look at Your creation, help me see Your glory.”
“Father, just as the stars are countless, so is Your love.”
“Jesus, You are the light of the world; may I reflect Your light.”
Adjust to the Darkness
Close your eyes for a moment and take slow, deep breaths. As your eyes adjust to the night, recall the biblical story as God placed the stars in the sky as signs and seasons.
Gaze and Observe
Now look up and take in the sky, allowing your gaze to range freely. Imagine Abram hearing God’s promise: descendants as numerous as the stars. Absorb the awe of God’s promise to you: a citizenship in heaven and a Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray with One Star
Find one bright star and focus upon it.
Breathe in slowly, saying silently or aloud: 'God, You are my light.'
Breathe out, saying: 'I trust in You.' (or create your own breath prayer)
Repeat until you feel that your time is complete. Stretch, move, return.
Connect and Reflect
Where did your mind go as you observed the sky?
What emotions came up for you?
Why do you think Van Gogh said, “When I have a terrible need of—shall I say the word—religion. Then I go out at night and paint the stars”?
How might stargazing enrich your Lenten season?
Go in Peace
'Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”(Philippians 2:15)