Stand in Awe: How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives

by Laura Story

Singer Laura Story Explains Why Humble Reverence Is Essential for Honoring God in Our Songs and with Our Lives

We were made for God, not the other way around. Living for God's glory—revering him above all else—gives us purpose and lasting joy but we often get distracted and become too self-focused, believing that we are the center of our lives. From singing at church on Sundays to our work and leisure throughout the week, we are in daily need of refocusing our attention on God.

Laura Story seeks to lead Christians in scriptural, reverential worship all 7 days of the week. Sharing her 20 years of experience as a worship leader and award-winning recording artist, she clarifies what worship is, what it isn't, and what's at stake without it. She then explains 4 everyday ways our reverence is often diverted away from God. Finally, Story demonstrates how to apply biblical principles, seeking God in humility and reverence through singing and daily life. With a heart for music ministry, this accessible book also speaks to everyday Christians who long to engage in proper devotion, leading listeners in rich worship that reflects who God is rather than who we are.

Accessible, Holistic Guide for Thoughtfully explores Scripture and church history, creating a Bible-focused theology of worship Helps Christians cultivate a reverential posture all 7 days of the week by honoring God's word, relating to others, and properly stewarding our lives Written by Christian Recording Artist and Author Laura Inspires modern Christian songwriters to create scriptural songs focused on the attributes of God A Great Study for the Entire Addresses both individual and corporate worship Useful in Schools and Practical insights for worship team leaders and volunteers as well as students earning worship degrees, with advice for worship and prayers, order of service, and more Ends with a Liturgy Written by the Author

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Lianna Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ // This was a fine and thoughtful book. It included some good theological points about reverence. Perhaps it didn’t strike me very much because I’m in a phase of not letting reverence block my intimacy with the Lord.

The book affirms that reverence and friendship with the Lord go together, which I do agree with. At the same time, I think holy awe can sometimes keep us from drawing near—at least, that has been my experience. That possibility wasn’t really addressed here.

Still, it was faithful and solid.

[Levi Moberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stand in Awe: How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives by Laura Story is a well-timed book that seeks to explore how a growing “casualness” in the church has led to an eroded sense of who God is. The book begins with a clear call to deeper reverence for the person and lordship of God. This deeper reverence is what for many Christians, according to Story, is what prevents them from growing deeper in their faith. The first two chapters begin by defining the problem and then providing a biblical overview of how reverence impacts our understanding of who God is. Primarily this draws from the burning bush narrative of the Exodus and the worship of the Psalms. In part two of the book Story examines what she calls four “ditches” in life that often can disrupt our understanding of reverence. They are our casualness, our self-focus, our shallow theological education, and our ability to be distracted. Each of these chapters balances a pastoral approach with biblical inquiry as to how to overcome them. The final part of the book briefly examines what the life of a Christian may look like if they were to take the reverence of God seriously. Stand in Awe was for myself deeply convicting in many ways as I examined my own relationship with God and how I approach the Lord of the universe, but ultimately nothing in the book felt particularly fresh or original. I am glad that this book exists as an option amongst many that seeks to build the devotional life of Christians, but I also felt that all I had read had been expressed numerous times from other authors in more original and/or beautiful ways. Ultimately, this will be one I am glad I read for a season, but I am sure I won’t be thinking about it at the end of the year.
I received a free copy of this books from the publisher via NetGalley, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I oversee a ministry for College/Career age. My wife is also the worship minister for the church we attend. I say that to let you know this book is hitting at the perfect time. This is a constant conversation among those in their 20s and early 30s. There has also been a resurgence of that age group leaning towards more liturgical services.

Laura Story has written, to me, the perfect book about the subject of the reverence of God. To me, this isn’t just about song selection or style of service. It is about the attitude of the heart. Story makes the case by picking apart the different things that are fighting for the hearts of those that are followers of Christ.

I highly encourage churches to go through this book. Worship directors, please, not only read this, but do a deep dive with your worship team and musicians.

This book is much needed for the Body of Christ. Thank you, Laura Story, for listening to the Lord and writing this. This is not a book. This is a challenge.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Lily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to purchase it for myself. I'll also be keeping it in mind for future gifts! It contained the perfect balance of grace and truth. The use of Scripture, quotations from Saints in Heaven and on Earth, and her own wise words, I was convicted, encouraged, and drawn into deeper love for and awe of God! What a good book!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age of casualness, this is an excellent reminder that the Creator of the universe is majestic and holy. Once we truly grasp who He is and how we are to relate to Him, we understand who we are and allow that to change our lives.

An excellent resource for personal devotion or in a group setting.

Highly recommended.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crossway. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Hannah Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! “Reverence ought to characterize the Christian life as a whole. It is both the entry point to relating to God rightly and the sustaining fuel of our faith.”