Rocks set history in stone and remind us of important stories. They symbolize stability, reliability, trust, and gratitude. In prayer and meditation, rocks can be valuable tools for discovering wonder.
I use a small pebble as a tangible reminder of God’s great power and trustworthiness. The oval-shaped pebble is from the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the area where Jesus performed some of his most famous miracles – from walking on water to multiplying bread and fish. Simply seeing and touching that little stone brings God’s faithfulness to mind for me. It connects me with small yet powerful moments of awe that expand my perspective. It inspires me to give thanks for how God has worked in my life in the past, and deepens my trust for what God can do right now. Other rocks also connect with me wonder as they bring memories to mind: A rock that my daughter painted with flowers and gave me years ago, an amethyst bracelet my husband bought me on a trip, and a stone angel figurine from a dear friend.
The Bible describes using rocks as memorials. In Joshua chapter 4, for example, people follow God’s instructions to gather 12 rocks from the Jordan River. Then they use those rocks as reminders of a wondrous event: The miracle of how God stopped the river’s flow while priests were crossing with the ark of the covenant.
While you pray and meditate, consider doing so with a rock that reminds you of God’s wonder and inspires you to trust him. You can hold a pebble, sit on a boulder, or walk across stones. Here are some Bible verses about rocks to ponder:
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4
“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2
“I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:1-2
“Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions – the work of skilled hands. … Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be 12 stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the 12 tribes.”
"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, 'Teacher, rebuke your disciples!' 'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'” - Luke 19:37-40
“As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’” – 1 Peter 2:4-6
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
Rocks can be wondrous signs of God’s faithfulness. When you need to remember your blessings with gratitude, use a rock to trigger memories of how God has worked in your life so far. The next time you’re in a situation where it’s challenging to trust God, let rocks remind you to ask for the strength you need.
Learn more about experiencing God’s wonder in Wake Up to Wonder (order the paperback or the e-book) and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year (order the paperback or the e-book).