All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Reproduced text may not be used on the World Wide Web. No Barbour Publishing content may be used as artificial intelligence training data for machine learning, or in any similar software development.
Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words or 5 percent of the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From Stress Less, Pray More for Morning & Evening, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”
Devotions are taken from Stress Less, Pray More by Donna Maltese and Daily Wisdom for Women—2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 devotional collections, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked kjv are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com
Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.
Printed in China.
MORNING AND EVENING. . .
STRESS LESS, PRAY MORE
Evening, and morning. . .will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:17 kjv
More prevalent in the world today than ever before, stress affects twice as many women as men. We’re anxious about everything from piles of laundry and doctors’ bills to job security and the economy. Amid all these worries, we are surrounded by the noise of technology and information overload. But God has a time-tested solution: prayer.
To help you navigate your way through stress and into the peace of God’s presence, spend some quiet time in this morning and evening devotional guide featuring daily readings and prayers based on this promise: “Make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. . . . Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed” (Romans 13:11–12 msg). Each reading is designed to teach you how to live in God’s freedom and reinforces the truth that, with your focus on Him, you can reconnect with the power and peace to live a more wonder-filled life every day.
Read on to stress less and pray more!
DAY 1
A WAY OUT
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. . . . Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:1, 27 esv
MORNING
Stress is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just a signal to be recognized and addressed. The problem is when we let stress take over, try to ignore it, or imagine we can handle it in our own strength.
God knew we’d have trouble in this life, that we’d find ourselves with anxiety-causing stress. But He also gave us a way out: Jesus. Our faith in Him is our avenue to an out-of-this-world peace.
Lord, thank You for not only purposely creating me, but for loving me perfectly.
EVENING
Right now, Jesus is waiting. Take a deep belly breath. Exhale. Enter that secret place where He abides. Ask Him to cover you with His wings, to raise you up. To give you the word you need to hear, the peace you need to inhale.
DAY 2
COMMUNITY
Help me, O Eternal One, for I can’t find anyone who follows You. The faithful have fallen out of sight. Everyone tells lies through sweet-talking lips and speaks from a hollow and deceptive heart.
Psalm 12:1–2 voice
MORNING
You were built for community. You were made to find a group of family and friends to walk out the adventure of faith together. Even more, it’s vital you do. Why? Because we all need a support system to navigate the ups and downs of this crazy world. Life is not easy, relationships are challenging, finances are stressful, and health can be a roller coaster. So without sweet community, it will be hard to thrive and flourish in our faith. If you’re struggling to find your people, ask God for help.
Lord, hear my cry for community. See my desperation for people to do life with. Please bless me with friends and family who are like-minded and faith-filled.
EVENING
God’s desire is for you to find those who will love you well! This has been His plan all along. So let your wishes be known and ask for what you need. Ask for faith-filled friends. Ask for honest, loyal, and trustworthy confidants. Take heart and be brave! And know that God is listening when you pray. He wants the very best for you today and always.
DAY 3
GETTING IT RIGHT
“Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do; take his words to heart.”
Job 22:21–22 msg
MORNING
How many times do we not let God in on our plans, run ahead of what He has planned, and miss the blessings He’s waiting to pour out on us?
Perhaps it’s time to stop trying to figure things out on our own, thinking we know best. Maybe our thoughts and feet should come to a screeching halt. This just might be the day we get it right.
Lord, I’m so tired of trying to do all this on my own. Show me what You would have me do, be, and see.
EVENING
This evening, spend some time in the Word and in prayer, allowing God to lead the way. Know that with God on your side, everything is and will be fine. Open your mind to the wisdom and insight He has for you. Store His words in your heart. Then, and only then, attuned to and in step with Him, walk on.
DAY 4
WORTHY
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29–31 niv
MORNING
God sees you. You’re known to the Creator. He understands the complexity of your life and recognizes the stress you are facing because of it. God fully grasps your emotional state. He has compassion for your feelings. And He appreciates the mess you find yourself in right now as you try to move forward in faith. Remember, to the Lord, you are worth more than the sparrow He loves.
Lord, thank You for seeing my worth even in my imperfection. Let me cling to that beautiful truth when I feel overwhelmed by life.
EVENING
Ask God to remove the fear you’re facing tonight. He will do it. So, make space and spend time in prayer, unpacking it all with Him. Whatever is weighing on you, share it. Those places that stir up fear and anxiety, talk about it. Know that you’re not alone and that He isn’t asking or expecting you to navigate this without Him. Get it fixed in your heart and mind that your Father is crazy about you. Because you matter so greatly to God, you don’t need to fear a thing.
DAY 5
WATER WALKER
Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him.
Matthew 14:29–31 esv
MORNING
At times, stress is like a storm raging within and without, drawing our attention away from God bit by bit. Then, when we suddenly realize our eyes are no longer on Him and our ears are deaf to His voice, we begin to sink. That’s because we’re looking at the waves instead of Jesus.
Jesus, help me keep You in the forefront of my heart and mind, for You alone are my safe haven.
EVENING
When we’re listening to the howling wind instead of the holy whisperer, before we know it, fear has supplanted our faith and we’re in danger of drowning. The remedy? Make Jesus your main attraction. Fix your eyes on the water walker. Keep your ears open to His Word. In so doing, you’ll be riding above the storms within and without.
DAY 6
STAY, WAIT, TRUST
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. Psalm 27:13–14 msg
MORNING
David had a lot to worry about. He had every reason to be afraid. He was at war with powerful armies. . .and his enemies were approaching. He was in a stressful position to say the least. No one would have blamed David had he panicked and run for his life. Nor would it have been any surprise had he chosen to run blindly into battle. It’s difficult to stay cool, calm, and collected under pressure. But David had the one thing that grounded him—the one thing that could keep him focused and clearheaded. And that one thing was complete trust in the goodness of God.
Heavenly Father, sometimes life is hard and scary, and I can’t face it alone. I need You! And so, I will stay. I will wait. I will trust You, Lord. Amen.
EVENING
David knew, without a doubt, that waiting on God was the very best solution for a bad situation. Why? Because God has everything under control, and He will always show us the way to go (Deuteronomy 31:8). He will reveal the very best solution to our problems. When your world is crumbling. . . No matter how bad things get. . . Take heart! Stay. Wait. Trust. God has it all in His hands.
DAY 7
ON THE FAITH SIDE
Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.
Proverbs 4:25 ampc
MORNING
We too often get consumed by all the what’ll-happens of tomorrow. . .all the could’ves, would’ves, and should’ves of yesterday. But worrying about the future and ruminating about the past only serve to ruin the present. Not only that, but such distractions from the now set us up for a major fall because our eyes have left the path laid out for us. The safer route is to leave all those stressors by the wayside.
Lord, give me the wisdom to watch my way, knowing You have already gone before me and made the path safe for my feet—and heart.
EVENING
Tonight, focus on taking one step at a time, knowing that God intends for all things to work out for our good. No worries. Simply walk on the faith side— and let all else be.
DAY 8
UNWAVERING
TRUST
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!
Psalm 31:14–16 esv
MORNING
David was going through a challenging time in his life. He was lonely, distressed, sick, weak, hated, and afraid. And if that wasn’t enough, he had no support system—no family and friends to walk beside him and show him he was loved and cared for (Psalm 31:9–13). What a sad, depressing, miserable situation. And yet, there’s beauty that comes from David’s suffering. Although he didn’t trust in people, there’s no mistaking that David had unwavering trust in his heavenly Father. He believed with every ounce of his being that God would rescue him.
God, I trust You’ll bring beauty from the difficult situations in my life. Rescue me!
EVENING
David knew that God would save him from his enemies. God would take care of him, no matter how bad things got. And David made sure to express his confidence to the Lord: “But I trust in you, O Lord. . . . Save me in your steadfast love!”
What about you? Are you struggling? Lonely? Afraid? Weak? Look to David’s example and take heart. With the rescuer by your side, you’re never alone. He is your strength. He is your hope. He is all you’ll ever need!
DAY 9
NEXT STEPS
“Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
1 Kings 19:7 esv
MORNING
Even God’s most faithful can find themselves stressed out. Consider Elijah. After his victory with God, Elijah received a threatening message from Jezebel. Yet instead of waiting for a word from God, this prophet ran for his life. Over eighty miles later, Elijah sat down under a broom tree, asked God to take his life, and fell asleep.
God responded by sending Elijah an angel who touched him, said, “Arise and eat,” and provided him with bread and water, giving Elijah enough strength for his next steps.
Thank You, Lord, for providing for me no matter where I go.
EVENING
When you feel threatened, remember God and what He has done for you time and again. Tap into the knowledge that nothing can withstand His power. Wait for His word. But if you find yourself already on the run, remember that He will provide for you, no matter where you go. Just rest in Him—He’ll give you hope and strength for the next steps.
DAY 10
THE HOPEFUL WAIT
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20–22 niv
MORNING
So often our waiting times are full of stress and anxiety. We wait and worry. . . we worry and wait. And the waiting is made even more difficult when our minds are overflowing with irritating, anxiety-inducing “what-if” thoughts like
What if I lose my job?
What if my friend won’t forgive me?
What if I end up alone?
What if my future doesn’t go as planned?
Waiting doesn’t often feel hopeful, does it? Is there even such a thing as “hopeful waiting”? The answer, according to God’s Word, is yes!
Father God, I will take heart as I wait. Thank You for rescuing me, even in the most difficult seasons of life. I will put my hope and trust in You alone!
EVENING
Whatever you’re waiting for, God is a constant hope. You can trust Him because He’s got everything under control. He sees all. He hears all. He knows all. And if that’s not enough to ease your worried mind, He is our shield of protection. . .and His love is unfailing!
So, dear one, rejoice! Receive His protection. Welcome His love. In the most difficult waiting season, He will come to your rescue!
DAY 11
GOD’S STORY
What are you doing here?
1 Kings 19:9 ampc
MORNING
On Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah reaches a cave and sets up camp. There God asks—not once, but twice—“What are you doing here?” In response, Elijah tells God—not once, but twice—his story. . .how he’s been fighting for God. But the Israelites don’t seem to care. Other prophets have been murdered, and the people are now looking to kill him—the only one of God’s prophets left!
Yet God knows the true story, His story. He knows more prophets are left (see 1 Kings 18:4). That Jezebel is the only one who has threatened him. That Elijah seems to have forgotten His previous mighty acts.
Lord, help me zero in on Your story for my life.
EVENING
When we replace God’s story with our own, nothing but despair echoes in our heads. That’s because our feelings have usurped God’s truth. The story in our mind has overtaken His story for our lives. That’s when we know it’s time to change the thoughts in our head and get back to the true story.
DAY 12 YOUR FOREVER LOVE AND GUIDE
We have meditated upon Your loyal love, O God, within Your holy temple. . . . For so is God, our True God, forever and ever; He will be our guide till the end. Psalm 48:9, 14 voice
MORNING
This life we live is full of uncertainty. We can, if we so choose, allow a plethora of what-ifs to fill us with stress and anxiety. What if I lose my job? What if my country goes to war? What if I can’t earn enough money to feed my family? What if I never realize my dreams?
Whenever you find yourself drowning in a sea of uncertainty, drown out the what-ifs by meditating on God’s love. Remember that no matter what happens, He will be walking with you. He will not let you fall.
Lord, my light, love, and guide, help me to trust You more and more every day, to meditate upon Your love, to know that no matter where I land, You will be with me. Amen.
EVENING
When you fail to see a solution, when you cannot find your way out of doubts, remember that not only does God make everything possible (Matthew 19:26), but He will help you find your pathway. He will give you clear direction, holding your hand, leading you step by step. He will never leave nor forsake you. He will be your guiding light through life and death—and beyond!
DAY 13
STILL, SMALL VOICE
A quiet voice asked, “So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?”
1 Kings 19:13 msg
MORNING
Not happy with Elijah’s initial version of events, God tells him to come out of his cave and stand on the mountain. A strong wind comes by, breaking up the rocks. But God isn’t in the wind. Then an earthquake—but still no God. Then a fire—but still no God. After the fire, in the silence that remains, comes a gentle voice. A whisper. That’s when Elijah comes out of the cave, still hiding from God, masking his face with his cloak. As Elijah stands there, God asks him again, “What are you doing here?” And Elijah repeats his tale of woe and desperation.
Lord, help me to have a heart for Your message as I boldly come before You, calmly listening for Your whisper.
EVENING
Tonight, meditate on the message of 1 Kings 19. God asks you to have a heart for His message. To stand before Him with boldness. To calmly listen. When you do, you will hear His still, small voice in the silence of your days.
DAY 14
DON’T LOSE HEART
You will hear of wars, or that war is coming, but don’t lose heart. These things will have to happen, although it won’t mean the end yet. Tribe will rise up against tribe, nation against nation, and there will be earthquakes in place after place and famines.
Mark 13:7–8 voice
MORNING
It can be hard to stay calm these days. Between shutdowns and shoot-outs, pandemics and politics, inflation and insurrections, climate change and conflict, we may be finding it difficult to keep our chins and our courage up.
Thankfully, Jesus has some words we can sink our mind into. Over two thousand years ago, Jesus told His followers that although we may find ourselves stressed out, heartbroken, and fearful, we need not lose our heads. Instead, we’re to take heart. Because, no matter what we’re going through, Jesus promises to walk with us through it.
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that I need not lose my courage or wallow in despair during these days. For no matter what happens or when, You will always be by my side. Amen.
EVENING
It might seem as though the world is coming to an end, but still. . .Jesus reminds us not to lose heart. Instead, we’re to pluck up and continue to proclaim His good news to everyone we meet.
Tonight, rest in Jesus’ presence. Remember that no matter what’s going on around you, “if you’re faithful until the end, you will be rescued” (Mark 13:13 voice).
DAY 15
GOING BACK
“Go back the way you came through the desert.”
1 Kings 19:15 msg
MORNING
God directs Elijah to go back the way he’d come, which would put less and less distance between himself and the threats of Jezebel, the evil queen (and wife of King Ahab of Israel) he’d just run away from. Then, once he got there, Elijah’s orders were, among other things, to anoint Jehu to be the new king over Israel!
I’m focused on Your power, Lord. Help me face whatever lies ahead.
EVENING
Sooner or later, we will face circumstances in which we feel threatened. When we give in to our flesh, we may run away in fear and despair, only to find later that, having rediscovered God and heard His instructions, we have to go back and deal with the situation. That’s when we must focus on the fact that God has the upper hand in any situation we find ourselves facing, that He will provide for us while we are back in the desert, and that He will help us find the courage to confront what frightened us in the first place.
DAY 16
SOUL SOOTHER
Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:16–19 nlt
MORNING
What stresses you out? What doubts seep into your heart and fester? This world is full of hard things that add layers of anxiety to our already-stressful lives. If you were to make a list, you’d probably need an extra-large sheet of paper with line. . .after line. . .after line of writing space.
When you experience stress and doubt, what calms your anxiety-filled heart? Quiet time with tea and a good book, perhaps? Lunch and conversation with a lifetime bestie? An after-dinner power nap? A warm bubble bath? Certainly, these feel-good things can offer a temporary reprieve from life’s chaos. And yet. . .there is something—someone—better. This someone offers a lasting, permanent hope for your doubting heart and calm for your anxiety-ridden soul. This someone is the one and only true soul soother, Jesus.
Comfort giver, soul soother, You alone are all I need today and all my days to come!
EVENING
The writer of Psalm 94 knew his help, hope, and protection would always be found in the unfailing love and comfort of Christ. You can trust in that same life-changing truth today! Isn’t Jesus wonderful?
DAY 17
INVITE HIM ABOARD
Then they were quite willing and glad for Him to come into the boat. And now the boat went at once to the land they had steered toward.
John 6:21 ampc
MORNING
Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and His disciples decided to head home across the sea. So they got into a boat and started rowing. As darkness increased, Jesus was still a no-show. Meanwhile, the going got tough as a violent wind whipped up the waves. After straining against the oars for three or four miles, the disciples suddenly saw someone walking on the water near them. Their imaginations went wild and they became terrified. Jesus then calmed their fears, saying, “It is I; be not afraid!” (verse 20 ampc).
O mighty navigator of my life, bring me toward the shore for which I strive!
EVENING
When you’re straining at the oars, be courageous and keep your eyes open for Jesus. When you see Him, invite Him to come aboard. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself attaining that for which you were striving.
DAY 18
DESPERATE PRAYERS
Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don’t turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to you.
Psalm 102:1–2 nlt
MORNING
When was the last time you prayed a desperate prayer? You poured out your heart and soul. You ranted. You cried. You put it all out there—not so much the good, but definitely the bad and the ugly. You begged God to respond, not in His timing but right now!
Such is this prayer of the psalmist. His words are coming from a place of desperation. He is pleading with God to hear. . .to listen. And he isn’t asking nicely. This guy means business, and he doesn’t hold back. Sometimes life’s situations make us desperate—for comfort. . .for healing. . .for a quick answer from our heavenly Father.
Faithful Father, I need You! Please comfort me, protect me, and give me Your peace.
EVENING
While it might be our practice to approach God quietly and calmly, the truth is He can handle our ranting, “I can’t take it anymore!” prayers. He is a big God. Whatever we say to Him in prayer, He can handle it! He is faithful, and He is so, so good.
DAY 19
KEEP YOUR HEAD
“When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end.”
Matthew 24:6 msg
MORNING
These days, just listening to the news can be a major stressor. You hear of wars not only between nations but within nations. Then there are the wars on drugs, sex trafficking, opioid addiction, and so on. It’s enough to discourage and dishearten even the most stoic of listeners.
Yet Jesus tells you not to panic. To keep your head. And with Him in control, you can!
Lord, thank You for Your perfect peace.
EVENING
When you feel panic looming, what can you do to keep calm and carry on? One solution is to limit your exposure to the news. Find a level you can tolerate and maintain it. Another is to pray for all those involved in wars. Above all, replace those world worries with God’s wisdom. Pray and memorize Bible verses to help you stay above the fray.
