Depression. Loneliness. Comparison. Greed. Addiction. People-pleasing. These are tools of the enemy to steal your calling and rob your joy. In this reading plan, drawn from his book, Lance Lang invites you to neutralize those tools by taking a pause each day, studying scripture, reading encouragement, taking action, and refocusing your attention on Jesus. Press forward into what God has for you. Press pause.
Hope Is Alive Ministries
Day 1
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Thank you for choosing to read Pause! This journey will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced because each day has the same template to help you find a rhythm and cadence as you journey through the month: Proclaim, Prompt, Prod, Praise, and Pray.
Proclaim: Each day, you will read the verse from our theme passage in Philippians. Read it at least once and read it OUT LOUD. I hope by the second or third week, you will have it memorized and can begin reciting it throughout your day as you need to. This passage is meant to become your foundation, which is why you will read it every single day for the whole month!
Prompt: This is the devotional for the day. It’s usually only about 150 words, give or take, just enough to give you the concept, encouragement, teaching, or guidance you might need for the day. Use it as a launching pad, not a destination. My goal was to plant some ideas, share some insights, and let the Holy Spirit activate in you how this applies to what you are currently experiencing in your life.
Prod: This is an activation question that I am gonna ask you to respond to. I would encourage you to write your response, thoughts, prayers, ideas, confessions, or whatever you’d like. Wherever you write, make it your own and take action! Fill up the pages with what God reveals to you! That’s where change begins, and hope is activated!
Praise: This is a song I want you to listen to. You can listen to it while you read, you can listen on the way to work, you can listen any way you want. But my suggestion would be to listen to the song with headphones on or really loud in your car WHILE you pray to close each day’s devo (more on that in the next section). This will help you to hear the words of the song, engage with the Holy Spirit, and truly have a moment with God. I am so convinced that God wants to spend alone time with you every day. Even if it’s just these five minutes, He longs to give you the hope you need not just to survive the day but to conquer it!
Pray: Every day closes with a prayer to get you going. Obviously, make this prayer your own! Don’t just recite it—make it personal. I’ve tried to provide a prayer path for those who might be new to praying, but even so, remember God wants a relationship with you, so talk with Him and make it personal. God does not desire for you to pray perfect, eloquent, religious prayers. He just wants to hear your heart, hear your requests, hear your gratitude, and fill you with the POWER to live in freedom! God loves you!
Got it? Great! Let’s start with Day 1:
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Peace is one of my favorite words. Just saying it oftentimes connects my soul to God. But because peace is often associated with serenity, we tend to think of it as something that comes to us. Like, if you want peace, you should just sit still and meditate all day.
But that’s not true. Like, at all.
Peace takes action. A ton of it.
Peace is the fruit of labor. Mountains of it.
Peace is found on the side of tough conversations.
Peace is found when you actively listen and apply what your spouse, boss, or mentor asks.
Peace is found when you simply accept what God asks you to do—and then do it.
Peace is found when you make good on the promises you make to yourself.
Peace is found when you look for it.
Peace is the result of taking proactive steps to clear your heart and invite God to fill you.
Prod
What actions are you taking today to find peace?
Praise
Listen to “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music
Pray
Jesus, thank you that the promises of today’s song ring true. I am no longer a slave to fear. Please guide my steps and the work of my hands, my heart, and my mind to seek peace today. Because I know when I look for it with your eyes, I’ll find it. Amen.
Day 2
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
It’s tempting to ignore difficult conversations that need to be had or situations that weigh heavily on us. It’s easier to just expect them to go away on their own and call that “hope.”
But that’s not hope. That’s a bad strategy and an invitation for peace-blockers.
Peace comes when we acknowledge something isn’t right, take steps to protect ourselves and our feelings, and let go of whatever blocks peace from reaching us.
Peace is: texting someone you need to forgive.
Peace is: picking up the phone and apologizing when you were wrong.
Peace is: setting a boundary and not allowing certain persons or groups of people to be in your life anymore.
Peace moves heavily into our lives when we remove the peace-blockers. But those peace-blockers won’t magically float away—you have to be proactive in letting them go and guarding the peace God has given you.
Prod
Who or what is blocking your peace? What steps can you take to remove the peace-blocker(s) in your life?
Praise
Listen to “More Than Able” by Elevation Worship
Pray
Jesus, thank you for being my peace. Show me the peace-blockers in my life and give me the courage to let go of them so I can guard your gracious gift of peace. Amen.
Day 3
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Everyone gets off course sometimes. When that happens in my life, you know what recenters me and restores my peace?
Helping others. Serving others. Encouraging others.
Each time I answer the phone to a hurting mother of an addict or step on stage to share my story, I always walk away from the encounter so much more peacefully.
There’s something about helping others that brings out God in such a tangible and real way as if God sends you peace as a blessing.
It’s no wonder that a lot of addicts love serving others and do it religiously. Each time you serve, you get a little stronger, a little more confident, and a whole lot more peaceful.
I know there’s someone on your mind right now that you can serve today. Do it.
Prod
Who can you serve today? How will you do it?
Praise
Listen to “Rescue” by High Street Worship
Pray
Jesus, thank you for the blessing of peace. Show me how I can be of help to others today, and give me the strength to act. I want to be used by you today to help someone else. Please show me how. Thank you for loving me! Amen.
Day 4
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
“The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.”
What does that mean?
Think of guards on a vigil, like those at Buckingham Palace. Always on alert, always ready.
When we pray, Jesus gives us a shield of peace just like that.
Peace can be a guard. When the world rises up against us, peace can be the shield that rebukes it, ready to work whether you are or not. Because we can rest in the peaceful knowledge that we are in God’s hands and that God’s plans are better than ours.
That’s a guard like no other.
Prod
Take a moment to visualize Jesus holding a shield in front of you, on each side, and behind you. He’s got you! What a feeling!
Now, write out what Jesus is guarding you against lately.
Praise
Listen to “Prince of Peace” by Hillsong United
Pray
Jesus, thank you for your peace in my life. Thank you for meeting me every time I seek you. Thank you for a peace that guards my heart, my mind, and my eyes. Thank you for having my back and walking by my side. You are my Prince of Peace. I love you. I trust you. Amen.
Day 5
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
How have you been sleeping lately?
Sleep is critical. It’s a life requirement.
You can’t live without sleep, even though someone tried for a while—they lasted just over eleven days and set a world record.
That sounds insane to me! I’m a wreck after one all-nighter or overseas flight. I can’t imagine who I would be after eleven days!
Sleep is a tangible act of transcendent peace. Even if you’re only getting a couple of hours each night, even if your sleep is troubled by nightmares or some other disruption, every time you sleep, you are practicing peace.
Perhaps you can practice resting in God’s peace a little longer the next time you lie down.
One way that’s helped me fall into God’s peace before I completely fall asleep is the 4-7-8 breathing technique, with a slight “LL” modification. Let’s practice it!
Prod
Close your mouth and quietly inhale through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, whisper “God, I trust you” for a count of eight. Repeat the process three more times for a total of four breath cycles.
Praise
Listen to “Hosanna” by The Belonging Co.
Pray
Jesus, I thank you for the gift of sleep. Thank you for providing for me wherever I have lacked, including in my sleep. Guard my sleeping and guard my waking. Amen.
Day 6
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
What do you do when old thoughts, old temptations, and old traumas come back to you? I’ve had this happen recently. I thought I had dealt with one particular issue, only to have it show up again in my mind, trying to steal my peace.
And when I say “particular issue,” I mean one particular PERSON! You know the one. The one who hurt you, blindsided you, did something that’s tough to forgive and near impossible to forget?
Do you have that person in mind now?
What’s really helped me is our verse for this quarter. Speaking this biblical truth out loud over and over: “And the peace of God…” “And the peace of God…”
Slowly, this has helped take away the sting and fill my heart with love and hope to press on.
I can’t always control the thoughts, temptations, or traumas that try to rear their ugly heads, but I can control the truth I speak over myself each morning. The truth is that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.
Let it be so, Lord. Let it be with THAT person… In Jesus’ Name.
Prod
Practice the peace process now. Say this out loud: “And the peace of God, GUARDS MY HEART & MIND!”
Praise
Listen to “Better Word” by Leeland
Pray
Jesus, I’m so grateful that you guard my heart with your peace. Remind me of it when my past tries to come back to haunt me. You’re so good. Amen.
Day 7
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
The devil is a liar. Always.
It’s not just a one-time, black-hole-moment type of lying. He’s every day, all day, anyway, he can, using anyone he can kind of liar.
That’s why we must start today and every day by reciting our scripture. So, let’s practice doubling down on the “peace process” we learned yesterday.
Take the time to remind yourself in your head and your heart that, no matter the situation, you give to God, His gift back is peace.
When you take action on this good news and present your struggles, your pain, your worries, your decisions, the people who bother you, the issues you don‘t understand, the deal that won’t close, the kid who keeps making bad decisions—ALL OF IT—God gives you back a big deep breath full of peace.
Prod
Take in God’s peace with a big, deep breath, then breathe out all of the situations and struggles you are facing today. Say this out loud as you breathe out: “And the peace of God, GUARDS MY HEART & MIND!”
Praise
Listen to “Tremble” by Mosaic MSC
Pray
Jesus, I’m so grateful that you make the darkness tremble. That you give peace in the midst of chaos. That you bring hope when we find ourselves stuck in despair. Your shoulders are broad enough to carry all my burdens. Thank you for filling me with PEACE today. Amen.
Day 8
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Everything you have, every good gift you’ve received—it’s all God’s.
When you give your life back to God, you’re not giving God anything you’ve earned. You’re just giving back what was already His.
I find great peace in this truth. Because it takes the pressure off. None of this is on me. It’s all on Him.
Every interaction with every person, every word I write, every phone call I take, every text message I send—those are God’s gifts, and I’m just giving them back to Him.
And in return, God gives me peace. Peace that transcends all understanding.
Prod
What can you give back to God today? Remember, you don’t have to carry it all, just give it up and get some PEACE!
Praise
Listen to “For All My Life” by TAYA
Pray
Jesus, I’m blown away by your gifts. Help me to see them for what they are, and then give me strength to give them back to you. I turn to you. I turn to you. I TURN TO YOU! I’m letting go and trusting you with everything. Thank you for carrying my burdens today! Amen.
Day 9
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
“Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.”
What C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity back in 1952 still resonates today. Because there’s an immense peace that comes when we wake up to the fact that our every breath is a gift God has given us.
And there’s an even greater peace when we commit to the not-so-radical notion of giving those breaths—and the life they indicate—right back to God for His service.
Experience peace. Give back. It was never yours anyway.
Prod
What parts of your life are you keeping for yourself today?
How can you give those back to God?
Praise
Listen to “Yahweh” by Elevation Worship
Pray
Jesus, thank you for giving me life and for the peace that comes with it. Help me serve you with every part of me today. Take my breath and use it; take my mind and use it; take my heart and use it; take my mouth and use it; take my hands and use them! They’re all yours! USE ME! Amen.
Day 10
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Surrender is a complicated concept—until it isn’t.
Let me explain: as an addict, I surrendered a lot of things. I surrendered my money, my relationships, and my very life so I could get a temporary high. This is a complicated kind of surrender that requires a lot of self-convincing and deviousness.
In recovery, I found that peace comes through an entirely different kind of surrender: a surrender to God’s will and to the love of Jesus.
This is a simple surrender, the kind that just looks at Jesus and says, “Not my will but yours be done.”
It was a shift in my heart from me to HIM. A change from everything being run through a selfish filter to now looking at the world self-LESS-ly.
And that’s where we find peace, leaving behind the complicated surrender of selfishness for the simple surrender of following Jesus.
Prod
What parts of your life do you still need to surrender? Get honest right now!
How can you trade those for peace today?
Praise
Listen to “Resurrender” by Hillsong Worship
Pray
Jesus, thank you for making me capable of surrender. When I want to hold on to the old me, give me strength to surrender to you. Take away my sinful, selfish, self-centered motivations and fill me with your love and peace. Help me get my eyes off me and onto you. I surrender all to you today. Amen.
Day 11
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
When was the last time you really thought about the miracle that is breathing?
Take a moment to breathe. Really breathe. Close your eyes (after you read this sentence, obviously), and take a slow, deep breath through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel your lungs inflate, the air rush through your nasal passages, and the expansion of your chest.
All of that is a miracle.
It’s a miracle we all take for granted.
But the greater miracle is the supernatural transfer of peace in our lives and in our hearts through our breath. As our song today reminds us, with each breath we take, our lungs fill with the presence of God, our bodies are filled with the daily bread we desperately need, and our soul is encouraged by the words the Holy Spirit speaks to us.
YES! All of that within a single breath!
The next time you’re in need of peace, the next time you are in need of God’s presence, PAUSE whatever you’re doing and focus on the miracle of your next breath. And the next one.
Prod
Did you do the breathing exercise mentioned above? Set a timer for three minutes and just focus on your breathing, thanking God the entire time for each breath.
Praise
Listen to “Breathe” by Michael W. Smith
Pray
Jesus, thank you for the breath that fills my lungs and brings me life. It reminds me of you. I am desperate for you today. Amen.
Day 12
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Even though our pasts are in the past, the effects of our past actions can linger far into the future. This is a universal truth, not just a truth for those with addiction, legal troubles, or marriage issues, but for all people with ALL issues.
Which means YOU.
Those of us who are addicts learn on our recovery journey that it is good and necessary to make amends for those we’ve hurt in our past. But you know what’s neither good nor necessary? Beating ourselves up for our past mistakes.
We need to learn from our mistakes, yes. But we don’t need to relive those mistakes, and we definitely don’t need to continually punish ourselves for those mistakes.
Instead, we find peace when we let go. You aren’t meant to hold them anyway—that’s Jesus’ job. You’re a new creation! The old you has gone away! Let it stay back there, in the crucified arms of Jesus, and move forward in peace today.
Prod
What past mistakes are you still holding? Get on your knees, lay out what you need to let go of, and ask Jesus to cast them as far as the East is to the West!
Praise
Listen to “Arms of Jesus” by Cade Thompson
Pray
Jesus, show me where I’m not trusting you enough with my past. Today, I give you everything that I’m struggling to let go of, including [NAME WHAT YOU NEED TO LET GO OF]. Amen.
Day 13
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
You know what makes me anxious? Regret.
You know what brings me peace? Acceptance.
Peace comes when I accept that everything Jesus did on the cross is enough. Peace comes when I accept that there’s nothing I can do better, no harder I can work, and no level I can achieve where Jesus will love me more than He already does and already has.
When my identity is rightly placed, rightly sized, and rightly prioritized—inside Jesus—peace floods my soul.
In the light of that peace, my regrets fall away. I might still need to make amends, I might still make mistakes, and I might still have behaviors that can be improved. BUT I can live from a place of health and wholeness, from a deep, peaceful understanding that I am loved fully and completely by my Savior.
Prod
What do you regret? Write it down and then prayerfully put it in the arms of Jesus.
Praise
Listen to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle
Pray
Jesus, your peace is everything to me. Help me to rest in my place of peace in your arms and in your will. I want to believe what you say about me. Help me to find my worth in you, my identity in you, my strength in you, my calling in you, and my HOPE in you, Jesus. Amen.
Day 14
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Struggles make us stronger.
Not long ago, I felt God take me on a journey of pain, but I trusted He had a purpose. He saw me through my suffering, and it made me stronger. Here’s something I wrote at the time:
“I’m often confused and hurt, but you comfort and heal. God, you sent your Holy Spirit to walk with me, encourage me, build me, and comfort me. Today, I need it more than ever. When I get knocked down, PULL ME BACK UP! I know I get stronger through the struggle. I need your presence today, your power today, your protection today, your provisions today. I need you.”
I was stronger after that struggle. And then, when the next struggle came, I had peace because I knew it would make me stronger, just like last time.
If you are in a struggle right now, I promise God will pull you through. Give it to Him today and grab hold of the peace that comes when you know that, by God’s power, your struggles will make you stronger,
Prod
What’s your greatest struggle today? How is God using that struggle to make you stronger? Take peace in that.
Praise
Listen to “Upper Room” by Hillsong United
Pray
Jesus, thank you for staying right with me throughout all my struggles. Strengthen me in this one and in the next one. Amen.
Day 15
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Sometimes, peace can only come when we come fully to the end of ourselves. Take this journal entry I wrote a few months ago:
“God, fortify my faith. Help me believe the invisible and feel the intangible. I choose to trust you 100% with my life. I know this will come with testing, and I am ready. I choose to seek you with all my heart. I believe you will restore my peace, heal my mind, and make me something new. My only hope is in you, and I know you will never fail.”
As you can tell, I was in need when I wrote that, and the thing I needed most was the peace that comes from coming to the end of myself and surrendering, once again, completely to the Lord.
For me, this happens most profoundly when I get away with God. It’s in these times of soulful solitude when I can pour out my heart to Jesus and ask Him to refill me where real transformation happens.
Prod
Have you come to the end of yourself today? What do you need to surrender today? As you listen to today’s song, think about how you can get away with God. Even today!
Praise
Listen to “Getaway” by TAYA
Pray
Jesus, thank you for meeting me at the end of myself and for taking over from there. Help me rely entirely on you today. Amen.
Day 16
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Bitterness is a weight that holds you back and keeps you down. It’s an anchor that ties you to your pain and keeps a mask over your face. That’s why it’s so important to learn to forgive.
Your pain may have been inflicted by another person, or it may have been the result of your own choices, but either way, you have to forgive. I know it’s hard. I know it can feel like giving up or letting the other person win.
I also know that forgiveness is necessary for peace, happiness, and hope.
When you forgive, you’re acknowledging the power of your pain, you’re recognizing what it is doing within you, and you’re intentionally cutting off that power in order to get out of that debilitating cycle you’re stuck in. Forgiveness brings freedom with it, but sometimes, to get there, you have to forgive over and over again, probably for the rest of your life.
Prod
Is there anyone in your life you need to forgive (again) today? As you listen to today’s song, think about how much YOU’VE been forgiven. That might help you as you work to forgive others.
Praise
Listen to “Forgiven” by Crowder
Pray
Jesus, thank you for your grace for me. Thank you for forgiving ME! Help me to forgive [NAME A PERSON (OR YOURSELF)] today. I give them to you; let me walk with open hands throughout the rest of my day. Amen.
Day 17
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
As an addict in recovery, I still have strong tendencies toward depression, anxiety, and general discontentedness. So, how do I maintain peace?
One peace-giving remedy I have found to help counteract depression, ruminating thoughts, and, honestly, just general negativity is exercise. I’ve found that a good beat down of my body keeps me balanced.
I discovered very early on in my recovery process how much I actually enjoyed running. It’s a great way to clear your mind, and it’s an easy, cheap, healthy way to still get high (a runner’s high, that is!).
I love it, so I make sure to get a few miles in each week.
Peace is something you have to work for sometimes, and connecting with God through balance and exercise is a great way to do that work.
Today’s song is a great one to crank up, get outside, and exercise. It doesn’t matter what you do really—just get outside today, see God’s wonder in nature and through your body, and seek PEACE!
Prod
How can you get outside today and get your body moving?
Praise
Listen to “Wonder” by Hillsong United
Pray
Jesus, I need your peace. Guide me toward healthy ways to achieve that peace today. Let me run my race for you! Amen.
Day 18
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Think of your life as a beautiful, peace-filled mansion. A place where you feel at ease, serene, and comfortable. It’s taken you a long time to build this mansion. Many years of heartache, worldly trouble, and fraught relationships may have threatened it, but you finally did it. You worked hard, tried some new tactics, and were able to construct a place where you finally feel at peace.
But every morning, you look out the window and see robbers waiting outside, just hoping to catch you at a weak moment so they can invade your mansion and steal your peace.
They want some of it for themselves, or worse yet, they can’t stand to see anyone else with it because they’ve never attained it. That’s sad and unfortunate for them, but their lack of peace has nothing to do with you.
As bringers of peace, we want to see God’s peace imparted to everyone we meet, but we can’t always do that, and we especially can’t give away peace until we learn to keep it ourselves. Sometimes we have to let go.
Prod
How is your peace today? How will you guard your peace?
Praise
Listen to “Build My Life” by Housefires
Pray
Jesus, your name is the name above all names. You are my peace in this world. Thank you for the peace you have given to me. Help me maintain that peace through whatever storms I experience today. Keep me safe, fill my heart, and build my life on your love! Amen.
Day 19
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Just like we learned yesterday, there are forces out there who want you to lose your peace.
Understanding and identifying who and what robs you of your peace is the first step toward maintaining that peace. We must force ourselves to recognize what circumstances cause us to fear, have anxiety, or be disappointed or hurt.
We need to name the individuals who evoke feelings we aren’t fully capable of dealing with yet. Not to exact justice upon them or get revenge on them, but just to know them and understand them.
Remember, there is nothing wrong with proactively protecting your peace. And that starts with identifying who and what is robbing you of this precious peace.
The more we understand this, the more we understand ourselves.
Then God can do the work within us to lavish us with His understanding-transcending peace.
Prod
Do you have an inventory of your “peace-robbers”? Make a list of any people or situations that steal your peace, then commit those names to prayer.
Praise
Listen to “P E A C E” by Hillsong Young & Free
Pray
Jesus, your peace is amazing. I love that I don’t have to understand it to experience it. Guide me past my peace-robbers today, and let me revel in your peace. Amen.
Day 20
Scripture: Philippians 4:7, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
As long as we’re talking about peace-robbers, sometimes you have robbers in your life who need some special attention. Simply pursuing them or distancing yourself from the situation just won’t be enough.
Maybe you have a family member you must learn to live with or a co-worker who’s not going anywhere anytime soon. These kinds of robbers must be dealt with head-on.
This is where you bring in outside help—name your robbers and then share those names with a trusted friend or mentor, someone who can provide you with the kind of accountability you need to maintain your peace in the midst of turmoil.
The Bible says this in Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” In this verse, Solomon emphasizes the truth that there is strength in numbers. So don’t try to keep the peace in your heart by yourself—pull in others to help you set up a stronger perimeter around the precious gift of peace.
Prod
Who are the peace-robbers you must deal with head-on? Make a plan to discuss them with a trusted partner today.
Praise
Listen to “The Stand” by Hillsong UNITED
Pray
Jesus, I thank you for the people you’ve put in my life who are helping me stay on track with living fully for you. Bless them—and me—today. I want to honor you in everything I do today. Amen.
Day 21
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Another way peace can guard your heart is when God guides you to remove the risk of future heartaches.
As Christians, we must try to be proactive about our discipleship, proactive about our peace, and proactive about our state of mind. We all want to be successful, and removing the risk of future disappointments is just another way to engage the environment around us before IT engages US.
A few years back, I had to make a really tough decision to separate myself from people who were destroying my peace. The hard part about this was that I truly loved these people. They were not my enemies; they were my friends. In fact, I had journeyed with them for years and had the privilege of watching as God changed their lives.
But… whether they knew it or not, whether they were doing it on purpose or not, they were robbing me of my PEACE.
God has used this experience to help me grow and depend on Him more. His love has patiently guided me as I’ve stumbled my way through this peace-keeping, boundary-setting season.
Prod
How did this example make you feel? May it inspire you to let the peace of God guard your hearts today.
Praise
Listen to “This Is Love” by New Wine Worship
Pray
Jesus, I’m so grateful you love me no matter what. Help me to honor you in my future. Guide me and lead me as I do my best to protect my heart. Amen.
Day 22
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
There are few natural things on this earth as transcendent as a mountain, let alone a mountain river.
If you’ve ever lived in a part of the country that has mountains, you know those mountains are never something you lose track of. You’re always aware of where they are, and sometimes, you just look at them in awe.
That’s what God’s peace is like—a strong mountain that occupies the landscape of our lives, a rushing river that revives our souls.
When we think of God like that, then we can trust His abundance and rest in His lovingkindness, knowing that He looks upon us with favor.
Prod
What’s something in your life that you’re always aware of? Imagine it as God. Does it fill you with peace or anxiety to know that God is always near like that?
Praise
Listen to “Those Who Trust” by Enter the Worship Circle
Pray
Jesus, I trust your loving, grace-filled abundance in my life. Let me live in it! You’re the immovable mountain in my life, so I know I can rest in you! Today is your day; I rejoice in it, find peace in it, and give it to you! Amen.
Day 23
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
I used to try to gut it out and have good days. I would tell myself every morning that the day was going to be great and peaceful, but often, by lunchtime, I wasn’t feeling all that great and peaceful anymore.
Then it hit me: if I desired to live a more peace-filled life, I had to begin every day by casting a powerful vision of grace and peace.
If I desired to live a more forgiving life, I had to begin to forgive people—out loud—each morning. I know this might sound really crazy, but that’s ME! I need radical things to find radical peace.
So, if I desired to push through fear and overcome things that had held me back, I had to begin speaking faith, courage, and confidence over myself each morning to get there.
How you start often determines how you finish.
Prod
How are you starting your days? Make a plan to begin every day the next week with a declaration of peace, forgiveness, and confidence. Forgive people OUT LOUD, pray that peace would flood your heart, and ask God to fill you with boldness!
Praise
Listen to “Touch of Heaven” by Bethel Music
Pray
Jesus, this is a day that you made. Let me rejoice and be glad in it. Guide my tongue to speak GOOD things, to DECLARE peace, to DELIVER forgiveness, and to DARE to walk in confidence! Amen.
Day 24
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Our scripture tells us God will guard our hearts. You know what you can’t do when you’re trying to guard your OWN heart?
Surrender.
Surrendering is the act of laying down your weapons. Weapons you use to push people away, avoid intimacy with God, and run away from your purpose.
I know because I did this for years. I fought everything, everyone, and every good plan God had for my life. It was only when I finally came to the end of myself, fell to my knees (literally and figuratively), and surrendered it ALL to God that peace came in.
We have a choice: we can either keep running, fighting, and avoiding God’s plan for our lives, OR we can surrender.
The act of surrendering supernaturally shifts our perspective and opens the floodgates of peace into our hearts and minds.
Surrender ALL to God today…
Prod
Where does God want to take you? Why are you still fighting? Write down what you’re laying down for the Lord today.
Praise
Listen to “I Surrender All” by Phil Wickham
Pray
Jesus, I surrender to you, trusting that your peace will guard my heart and mind when I lay down my weapons. I believe you and take you at your word. Amen.
Day 25
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
God is our refuge, and His loving arms are the only true calm amidst our chaos. Down here in the tangible stuff of this earth, where we see pain and destruction, ruin and devastation, God brings peace to our hearts, minds, and souls.
Even in the middle of the worst of it, we can rest in the knowledge that God upholds all who fall.
We can lament even while we trust and weep.
We can grieve the loss of someone we love.
We can persevere while we wait for the blessed ending that God has ordained for every one of His children.
God is near. He is our peace. Where else can we go?
Prod
What is causing you grief or distress today? Write it down and commit to praying for it daily until God brings you peace—however long that takes.
Praise
Listen to “Even When It Hurts” by Hillsong United
Pray
Jesus, thank you for listening to my laments. I’m so grateful to know that you can handle my grief and sadness. I don’t have to pretend to be happy all the time—help me be myself in all my uniqueness, acknowledging the less-than-perfect parts of this world while you provide your peace and joy in my life. Amen.
Day 26
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
I had a pretty great childhood, and I’ve said before that my dad is my biggest hero.
Maybe you can say the same thing, or maybe, like my dad’s childhood, yours was just the opposite.
Maybe you had a really challenging childhood. An absent father, an unstable home, or an upbringing where you never felt safe or secure.
Regardless of how we got here, one thing God makes clear in scripture is that He is our Father. Our earthly role models may have embodied that truth, or they may have turned their backs on it—neither of those actions changes the fact that God calls us beloved children.
He’s the Great Parent, the One who cares for us. The One who feeds us with everlasting life and provides a home for us under the shadow of His wings.
He’s a Peaceful Father.
Prod
In what ways was your father like God? In what ways was he unlike God? Compare and contrast them and let it open up your own relationship with God.
Praise
Listen to “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin
Pray
Jesus, thanks for always being here with me, no matter what. Thank you for loving me, never leaving me, or forgetting about me. You are my faithful, good Father! Amen.
Day 27
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
With peace comes goodness. God’s gifts are good. God’s ways are good. God’s posture toward us is always good. God is unfiltered, unimpeded, unbounded, uninhibited Goodness.
The problem comes when we confuse OUR IDEA of good with God’s pure, actual Good. Sometimes, in the name of pragmatism or idealism, we call evil good, but God’s peaceful wisdom looks past those worldly values and adds more and more and more of his REAL Good to our world.
And that feels a lot like peace.
Prod
Are there worldly ideals you’ve confused with God’s goodness? Identify them and lift them to God in repentance.
Praise
Listen to “God, You’re So Good” by Passion
Pray
Jesus, you are good, good, good. Show me your Good instead of mine. Let me call things “good” that are actually good as you know it, not as I do. Don’t let me get confused about what is your Real Good when I encounter it today! Amen.
Day 28
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
God is a God of Comfort. He permeates the universe with His peace. It can be tough to remember this, but it’s true: God is not a part of the world—He IS the world. He is the whole thing. It is all God, so His comforting presence is ALWAYS here.
We can trust this truth. When we ask for God’s comfort to be felt in a real and tangible way, we can believe He’ll do it. He won’t give us the concept of comfort; He won’t show us a PowerPoint presentation about comfort.
He’ll give us the real thing—real comfort—present in every breath.
As today’s updated version of a classic worship song says, God is our strong tower. He is our comfort, our shelter, our strength!
Prod
As you pray and worship today, write down how you see God present everywhere, in everything, at all times. Write a reflection on this truth and what it means for your peace.
Praise
Listen to “Shout to the Lord” by Influence Music
Pray
Jesus, I take comfort in knowing you’re with me right here, right now, all the time. Help me relax in your peace today. Let me know your comfort even when it doesn’t feel available to me. Amen.
Day 29
Scriptures: Philippians 4:7, Esther 4:10-17, Esther 5:1-6
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
When there seems to be no way, God provides a way. Whenever I think of this principle, I think of the story of Esther, where she was so filled with God’s peace that she knew that whatever might happen, she’d be okay. After all, God had opened an avenue for her “for such a time as this.”
Esther knew something wasn’t right, and she knew she was the only one who could stop it—even if it cost her her life. And yet she walked in such perfect peace that she had no doubt speaking to the king about the genocidal plot against her people. Whatever happened afterward, she knew she was doing what God had called her to do.
Sometimes, we have to face tough things (but probably not as tough as that!). If God’s peace was there for Esther, then we can trust it’ll be there for us, too.
Prod
What major life thing do you need peace to face TODAY?
Praise
Listen to “God Will Make A Way” City First Worship
Pray
Jesus, give me the peace I need today to face the major obstacles in my life. You are trustworthy, and just like Esther, I’m made for such a time as this. Nothing in my life is taking you by surprise, so help me follow you. Amen.
Day 30
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Proclaim
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Prompt
Sometimes, we get outside of God’s peace, and that’s when we make mistakes. Take, for example, the mistake of pragmatism—looking to practicality as our be-all, end-all. We can start to believe that the logical and sensible are the same thing as the godly.
Don’t get me wrong, it often is. God made logic, so sometimes—oftentimes—God operates within logic.
But also, a lot of times… He doesn’t! And that’s where we can get off track by trying to cram everything God does into our little boxes of logic. He doesn’t always fit there!
God is GOD! He is beyond our wildest imaginations. And I believe we miss out on experiencing the amazingly absurd by playing it safe. Refusing to move when He says MOVE. Sitting, soaking, and souring in what seems sensible instead of saying YES to the spirit of the living God.
Today could be the first day of the rest of your life. A new life! Beyond anything you could imagine! But it starts with you saying YES!
Prod
Where have you fallen prey to world logic instead of God-logic? Spend time asking God to show you what COULD BE and fill you with the confidence to say YES!
Praise
Listen to “Dare You To Move” by Switchfoot
Pray
Jesus, thank you for showing me a different way to live. Help me to follow your footsteps today, wherever they might lead—even if I don’t understand where you’re taking me. I trust you! My answer to YOU is YES! Amen.