A Prayer for Watching Fireworks

Because watching something as awe-inspiring as fireworks is an opportunity to transform a common cultural ritual into a sacred experience.

Jul 01, 2025

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Consider reading or listening before your fireworks display, so you can have the essence of the prompts in your heart and mind while also being present to the moment.

Slow Down & Settle In

In the minutes before the fireworks show, slow down. Be present to the needs of your family, friends, children, and pets.

Inhale. Exhale.

As the lights go out around you, settle into your seat. Put away your phone. Prepare yourself to receive the gift of this fireworks display.

Inhale. Exhale.

Begin With Prayer

Recall the Psalmist’s worship in Psalm 19:1-4 (NRSV). We’ll pray these verses line by line as we watch the fireworks show. Let’s read it through once first.

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The heavens are telling the glory of God;
     and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours forth speech,
     and night to night declares knowledge. 

There is no speech, nor are there words;
     [the heavens’] voice is not heard;
     yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
     and their words to the end of the world.

Inhale: The heavens are telling…
Exhale: The glory of God.

As the fireworks begin, let your five senses be saturated with the experience of the fireworks.

Hear the explosions.

See the fire in the sky.

Smell the gunpowder.

Feel the breeze.

Savor the goodness of the moment.

Inhale: And the firmament…
Exhale: Proclaims his handiwork.

Proclaim with the atmosphere the handiwork of God. Give thanks for the creativity of humankind to contribute to the beauty of the heavens.

Inhale: Day to day…
Exhale: Pours forth speech.

Recall–briefly and imperfectly–the thousands of words you heard today. Let them fall away just as the fireworks fall away and go out.

Inhale: And night to night…
Exhale: Declares knowledge.

Let something you know about God come to mind. Something you hold deep in your gut. Declare your knowledge of God into the night.

Inhale: There is no speech…
Exhale: Nor are there words.

Listen for a response from God. What do you hear or see? Or perhaps, what do you sense within your soul?

Inhale: [The heavens’] voice…
Exhale: is not heard.

Ask for clarity from God, for surety that you’ve heard. Ask for understanding.

Inhale: Yet their voice goes out…
Exhale: Through all the earth.

Listen as explosions of the fireworks burst and then fade away. Imagine their sound waves traveling to the edges of the earth.

Inhale: And their words…
Exhale: To the end of the world.

Watch the patterns and colors of the fireworks explode and dissipate. Remember that you too are but a mist, a vapor, a spark.

Contemplate & Savor

When the fireworks finale begins, sit in quiet awe, wonder, and contemplation. Savor the special experience of this fireworks display.

Pray…

Lord, thank you for this moment to be present to you. Your heavens declare your glory, and I also declare your glory in the work and creativity of this fireworks display. I am in awe and wonder of all your marvelous works. Amen.

Go in peace, friend.