Inviting God’s Peace - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Today's Devotion
A live performance of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” filled the air in the most unlikely of places. A small vaccine clinic in Berkshire, Massachusetts, became a concert venue when internationally famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma held an impromptu concert after getting his Covid-19 vaccination. He wanted to share the music that gave him comfort.

We have many biblical examples that remind us how powerful music can be in times of anxiety and pain. In 1 Samuel 16, we’re told that David’s music calmed King Saul. And in the book of Acts, we read the story of Paul and Silas. They were arrested, beaten, and “thrown into prison” (Acts 16:23) for sharing the good news about Jesus. As they sat in the dark cell suffering from the pain of torture, Paul and Silas responded by “praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25). Interestingly, Scripture tells us that the other prisoners listened to their songs!

As they prayed and sang, God’s peace likely settled on their situation. As a result, His power was displayed in a mighty way (v. 26), prompting a guard to seek “to be saved” (v. 30).

When we offer our fears to God through prayers and song, we invite His peace into our lives in a way that can even impact those around us.

Reflect & Pray
What songs or music brings you comfort in times of anxiety? What might you “sing” to bring God’s peace into your situation?

Heavenly Father, please help me remember that You’re always with me, even in my darkest moments.

Today's Insights
The incident with the fortune-telling female slave occurred in the city of Philippi (Acts 16:12). After Paul cast a demon out of the girl, her owners were angry over the loss of their ability to exploit her (vv. 18-19). As they made their false allegations against Paul and Silas, they leveled a racially charged statement: “These men are Jews, and are . . . advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice” (vv. 20-21). Ironically, however, they were both Roman citizens and would later use this as leverage (see vv. 37-39). After they “had been severely flogged [and] thrown into prison” (v. 23), they responded by “praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25). In the midst of our trials today, we too can respond by bringing our concerns to Him in prayer and asking Him to fill us with His peace.

Bible in a Year

Ezekiel 14-15

James 2
Lisa M. Samra