READING:
Revelation 4
Lost for Words
Have you ever found yourself lost for words? It can be quite embarrassing when you need to give an answer or contribute to a conversation. But sometimes, words fail us not because we lack knowledge, but because a moment moves us to silence—a silence of awe and wonder. Moments like witnessing the birth of a newborn, standing before a breathtaking view, or watching a chick hatch from its egg leave us speechless. I wonder if you can recall such a moment in your life?
There are also times when we are lost for words because a situation is too complex or overwhelming. This can happen when we try to pray. How do you feel when you want to bring something before God but can’t find the right words—or any words at all?
In many ways, today’s reading from the book of Revelation attempts to put into words an experience of awe and wonder—something so profound that words seem inadequate.
Time of persecution
The book of Revelation was written between AD 81-96, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, a time of severe persecution for the early church. The purpose of this writing was to offer hope and encouragement to Christians facing suffering. The vision described in Revelation is one of hope, reminding believers that, even in difficult times, God remains with His people. The imagery in Revelation is deeply influenced by the Old Testament, where prophets received visions to reassure people that God was present and sovereign.
These prophets attempted to describe their encounters with God, portraying His throne as the place where He reigns supreme. In the midst of persecution, the writer of Revelation reassures early Christians that true power belongs not to the Roman Empire, but to God.
Holy, holy, holy
At the heart of today’s passage is the phrase:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
This declaration affirms God’s absolute holiness, perfection, and distinction from all creation. In Hebrew, repetition amplifies meaning, so saying “holy” three times expresses the ultimate degree of God’s purity and majesty.
I wonder what you make of the phrase “holy, holy, holy”? We say it often in our worship—through spoken words, hymns, and songs. It is our response to God, who is at the centre of our lives. Perhaps it is also the response we turn to when we are lost for words.
Finding the right words
How often do we struggle to find the right words to express love for another person? Just think about the verses on Valentine’s cards—many of us find words inadequate and settle for ones that seem clichéd. In the same way, expressing our love for God can feel insufficient. Yet, worship is not about perfect words or performance—it is about being in God’s presence, acknowledging our dependence on Him. Worship is about God, not about us. We do not come to worship expecting to “get something” out of it; rather, we come to be with God in a special way.
Revelation 4, with its vision of heaven, reminds us that worship is not about how we feel, but about responding to who God is. It is an act of participation in something greater than ourselves. As Sam Wells writes in “A Nazareth Manifesto”, the Christian life is about being with God, not just doing for God. The worship described in Revelation reflects this: the elders and living creatures around God’s throne do not act alone—they are drawn into a worship that already exists. Worship is not something we create, but something we enter into, reflecting the eternal life of God.
When life is tough, worship can refocus us on what truly matters. It is not an escape from reality, but a way of engaging with the deepest reality—God’s reign. Worship helps us resist the false idols of power, wealth, and control, reminding us of the eternal truth that God is sovereign.
Orbital
The novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey offers a profound meditation on awe, wonder, and the experience of being lost for words. It follows six astronauts orbiting Earth, capturing their perspectives as they witness the planet from space—an experience that has left many real-life astronauts struggling to articulate their feelings.
From space, the Earth appears as a fragile, beautiful whole, without borders or divisions—a perspective often called the “Overview Effect.”Astronauts describe this as a transformative moment of awe, a shift in consciousness that makes human concerns seem both small and deeply connected. This mirrors the moments in life when we are silenced by wonder—whether witnessing a newborn, a vast landscape, or the mysteries of faith.
Much like Isaiah’s vision in the Bible or the heavenly worship in Revelation 4, Orbital suggests that some experiences transcend language. In the novel, the astronauts don’t just reflect on scientific or technical aspects of space travel; they grapple with the sheer immensity of existence. The silence of space becomes a metaphor for the limits of human expression—sometimes, words simply fail.
Just as the heavenly beings in Revelation repeat “Holy, holy, holy” in response to God’s majesty, the astronauts in Orbital find themselves in a state of deep contemplation. Their view of Earth from above evokes the same kind of reverence and humility that worship seeks to instil. It reminds us that worship is not just about speaking, but about being present before something greater than ourselves.
An Invitation to Silence
Orbital encourages us to embrace moments when words fall short. In a world filled with noise, taking time to simply be —whether in prayer, worship, or silent reflection—can be transformative. Whether staring at the stars, sitting in a place of worship, or repeating “Holy, holy, holy,” we are drawn into a reality beyond ourselves, where awe and wonder become their own form of prayer.
Have a go
We might not be able to orbit the earth but this week, why not take some time to simply “be” with God? Instead of bringing prayers of intercession, find a quiet space—sit, stand, or kneel—and re-read Revelation 4. Let your mind wander into God’s presence. You may find it helpful to repeat the phrase “Holy, holy, holy”, until you no longer need words… and can simply rest in the mystery of God.
