The Prayer of “Wow”
There are moments in life when words simply aren't enough.
Maybe it was watching someone answer God's call to ministry. Maybe it was hearing unexpected good news after a long season of waiting. Maybe it was witnessing an act of courage or kindness that left you speechless.
In those moments, all we can say is:
Wow.
Anne Lamott reminds us that "wow" is one of our most honest prayers. It is the prayer we pray when we encounter something so beautiful, surprising, or holy that words can no longer keep up.
The psalmist knew this kind of prayer. Psalm 19 begins not with requests or confession, but with wonder: "The heavens declare the glory of God." Before David asks God for anything, he simply notices. He looks up and recognizes that all of creation is proclaiming God's goodness.
I wonder if one of the greatest spiritual disciplines we can cultivate is simply paying attention.
As members of the BWIMNC community, our lives are often beautifully full. Whether we are serving in ministry, mentoring emerging leaders, supporting women in their calling, advocating for greater opportunities, or encouraging someone taking a faithful next step, it is easy to become so focused on what comes next that we miss the quiet ways God is already at work.
Yet the ministry of BWIMNC has always begun with noticing.
We notice the young woman beginning to discern God's call.
We notice the church opening its doors to women's leadership.
We notice the ally who speaks up, the mentor who encourages, and the minister who continues serving with courage.
Each of these moments is evidence that God's Spirit is still moving.
Each one is a reason to whisper, "Wow."
This week, I invite you to end each day with one simple question:
Where was today's "wow"?
Maybe it was a conversation that renewed your hope. Maybe it was a student embracing God's call.
Maybe it was an unexpected act of kindness or a reminder that you are not walking this journey alone.
Notice it.
Give thanks for it.
Share it with someone else.
Because every story we tell, every door we open, and every community we build begins with paying attention to where God is already at work.
The heavens are still declaring God's glory.
Christ is still alive.
The Spirit is still surprising us.
And sometimes the truest prayer we can pray is just one word:
Wow.
All love,
Leslie
Where have you experienced God's wonder this week? We'd love to hear your "wow" moments. Your story may be just the encouragement someone else needs to keep following God's call. Share your story here.