Daily devotional for hope

A Bible-centered reflection

Perhaps you are waiting for news or for a difficult conversation. Name the outcome you hope for alongside what you do not yet know. You can pray for that outcome while reading carefully about the hope Scripture describes.

Romans 8:18–27 speaks of hope amid suffering and waiting. Read the paragraph slowly, including what it says about weakness in prayer. There may be parts of your own situation you cannot put into words. You can bring that unfinished prayer to God and take time to consider the passage's wider account of hope.

Some waiting includes a responsibility you can attend to. You may need to prepare something or ask a follow-up question. Write down what you can do. Repeatedly checking for news may leave other parts unchanged; consider whether you can put that checking aside long enough to do the task in front of you.

Psalm 130 describes waiting for God through the image of watchmen waiting for morning. Follow the psalm from its appeal in distress through its words about forgiveness and hope. Notice what the writer asks for. Let the passage give you words for your own request, including the pain that may still be part of it.

While you wait, ordinary care can remain within reach. Prepare the meal you planned or ask someone how their day has been. These actions can keep you present to people whose lives continue beside your uncertainty. Choose a responsibility you can meet without pretending that the larger question has been answered.

Lamentations 3:19–26 speaks of mercy within a book that takes sorrow seriously. Read the surrounding lament as you consider the familiar words about hope. If you or someone beside you is grieving, give the loss time and attention. You can remember God's care while also asking for the support you need through this day.

Pray about the answer you hope for and the uncertainty you named. Decide when to check for news again and what to do meanwhile. At your next reading, you may still be waiting. Bring the question again, attend to a new responsibility or accept someone's company.

A prayer

God, you know the answer I am waiting for. Help me pray about it honestly and remember what I still do not know. Receive the concern I cannot explain clearly. Give me patience to read your word and attend to the day before me. Show me what needs preparation and when I should ask for help. Thank you for the people who remain beside me while I wait. Keep me attentive to their needs too. Where there is loss, help me acknowledge it and receive care. I bring the unanswered part of this prayer to you again. Amen.

Continue this reading habit

Use a regular reading time to bring the question back to Scripture. Devotionals has morning and evening material with Bible references, and supported readings have audio. Keep a question in the note on a devotional reading if you use the subscription notes tools, or use a notebook. The next app reading follows its own schedule. You can return to the passages here as often as they help you pray about what you are waiting for. Devotionals is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store or Android on Google Play.

The app opens on Today, where you can choose a morning or evening reading. This website reflection is separate from the app’s reading schedule.

Questions about this devotional

Is hope the same as expecting my plan to work?

A personal hope is something you can bring into prayer. Read the passage carefully before treating a particular outcome as a promise from Scripture.

What can I pray while waiting?

Tell God the answer you want and where you need help today. Romans 8:18–27 is a passage to return to when you struggle to find words.

How can a daily devotional help?

It gives you a place to read a passage and bring your question back into prayer. Devotionals has scheduled readings for continuing that practice.

Related devotional readings

• faith
• grief
• gratitude