Sunrise Photoshoot Devotion
Twilight. Photographers call this the “blue hour”. While the sun is still below the horizon the light has to pass through a larger volume of earth’s atmosphere scattering shorter wavelengths of blue and violet light towards us. The cool blue tones provide a soft, even lighting with a tranquil feeling.
Rocky Mountain National Park
As a photographer I arrive well before sunrise to prepare my composition in advance. It is also a time to prepare our hearts for what God wants to show us this morning.
There is still darkness but it is not complete. A hope of light to come is revealed by the increasing glow on the horizon. There is an anticipation of what is to come while the darkness retreats.
Read Isaiah 43:18-19
Put the darkness behind you and face towards the glow to the east.
Choose a few verses below to read:
Psalm 34:1-7
Psalm 112:4
John 8:12
Ephesians 5:8
Romans 13:12
Colossians 1:13
These verses remind us that God is faithful to remove the darkness from our lives and replace it with His glorious light. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual darkness, God’s light has the power to guide us, heal us, and transform us. Through Jesus, we have the ultimate victory over darkness, and we are called to live as children of light.
Blue hour ends. Still 25 minutes until the sunrise but this is often when the sky catches “fire”. The blue light is still scattered but the longer orange/red wavelengths of sunlight can pass through and reach the bottom of any clouds above the horizon. A photographer is hoping for a gap of clear sky on the horizon with high level clouds overhead to reflect that orange/red light back to us. The higher the clouds the longer the “fire” will last!
Lake Marion
Read Psalm 96
Spend some time worshiping God and basking in His love for you. God is “romancing” you at this moment. This place, this view, the colors are all for you, made by God for you because He loves you!
Sing your favorite worship song or stream one of these:
“God of Wonders” by Third Day
“Here I am to Worship” by Tim Hughes
“Crazy About You” by Tauren Wells
“This Is Our God” by Phil Wickham
“Perfectly Loved” by Rachael Lampa
“Be Alright” by Evan Craft
“Rise Up (Lazarus)” by CAIN
“Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton
“Nothin’ Sweeter” by TobyMac
“Hallelujah Feeling” by Caleb & John
Sunrise. The main event when the sun starts to rise above the horizon. At this time as a photographer I often turn my focus to what the sun is illuminating. It is no longer about waiting for the sun to come but seeing what the sun touches and how it transforms everything it touches.
Campsite on Black Balsam
Read Isaiah 60:1-5
Look around as the light touches yourself and fellow brothers in Christ sharing this moment with you and know that God loves each one of you!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the beautiful reminder of Your love that we see in the sunrise. Just as the sun rises faithfully every morning, so does Your love rise in our hearts. Help us to remember that Your mercies are new every day, and no matter what we face, we can trust in Your unfailing love. Thank You for giving us the gift of a fresh start each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May each sunrise you witness serve as a symbol of God's never-ending love for you!
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
