“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3
Lent is a season that invites us to slow down, reflect, and notice God’s presence in our daily lives. One simple but powerful Lenten practice is to pause and witness the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.
Psalm 113:3 reminds us that every moment of the day—from the first light of morning to the colours of evening—is an opportunity to praise God. Yet many of us rush through our days without noticing these quiet moments of wonder. During Lent, why not make a small commitment to experience one sunrise in nature?
Set your alarm a little earlier than usual and step outside while the world is still quiet. Watch as the sky slowly fills with colour and the light spreads across the landscape. It can be a deeply peaceful moment for prayer and gratitude. You might even plan a simple sunrise prayer followed by a picnic breakfast or a gentle walk.
If you are not an early riser, you can do the same at sunset. Simply look up the sunset time and plan to step outside or visit a nearby park, beach, or open space. The changing colours of the sky can be just as beautiful and just as prayerful.
This can also be a wonderful activity to share with children. Take them along for a sunrise walk or a sunset outing and help them notice the beauty of the sky, the birds waking up, or the calm of the evening. These small experiences can nurture a lifelong love for God’s creation.
Even if you cannot go far, you can still take part. Sit by your window, watch the light appear, and offer a simple prayer of thanks. Take a photo of the sunrise or sunset and keep it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
From sunrise to sunset, creation invites us to praise.