Daily devotional for peace

A Bible-centered reflection

Think of something unsettled in your day. It may be unfinished work or a conversation you keep replaying. Write down what happened as plainly as you can. You can come to a Bible reading with that disturbance still present. Allow time to understand the passage before deciding what it asks of you.

John 14:25–27 belongs to Jesus' conversation with disciples who face coming change. Read the promise of peace within that conversation. Consider the care Christ gives them in their uncertainty. Your own circumstances may continue to be difficult after reading, and you can bring that difficulty into prayer as you attend to his words.

In a strained conversation, you may need a pause before replying. Use it to think about what you heard and what you need to ask. If silence has left a misunderstanding untouched, arrange a time to speak. A clear acknowledgment of your own part can help you begin without deciding in advance how the other person should answer.

Read Psalm 46 as a whole. Its images of upheaval surround the familiar call to stillness. Take time with those images before selecting a phrase for your day. Consider how the psalm directs attention to God when events feel larger than you can manage. Bring the situation you wrote down into that reading.

Put your phone aside while someone speaks, and ask about a part you have been rushing past. You might still feel unsettled. Give yourself time to hear the person before choosing a response.

Romans 12:9–21 describes love in everyday conduct and asks readers to live peaceably as far as it depends on them. Look at that limit carefully. Another person's willingness is beyond your control. You can examine your own conduct and ask for wise support. A conflict involving ongoing harm also needs attention to protection and practical help.

You might apologize for a specific word or ask for a better time to talk. Pray before returning to the conversation. Later, revisit what you understood from the passage and what remains open.

A prayer

God, this situation still feels unsettled. Help me tell the truth about it and listen carefully to the person involved. Show me where I need to acknowledge my own words or actions. Give me patience to ask a clear question and leave room for the answer. I cannot decide how someone else will respond. Please guide what is mine to do and help me seek support where I need it. As I read about your peace, keep me attentive to your care through the difficulty that remains. Help me choose words that respect the person before me. Amen.

Continue this reading habit

Return to a passage at a time when you can give it attention. Devotionals has morning and evening readings, so an evening reading can be a place to revisit a conversation from the day. Follow its Bible reference and keep a question in the reading's note if you use the subscription notes tools. You can also write it in a notebook. Take the question back to the passage when you next have time to study. 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

Does peace mean ignoring conflict?

An honest conversation may be needed. Consider whether you should acknowledge your part, ask a question or seek support. Attend to safety if harm is continuing.

Where should I start reading?

Start with John 14:25–27, Psalm 46 and Romans 12:9–21. Read each passage in its setting before choosing a phrase to apply.

Can I use this reflection in the evening?

Yes. Bring a conversation from the day into prayer and revisit the passage. Devotionals also has evening reading material for a regular reading time.

Related devotional readings

• anxiety
• prayer
• forgiveness