I figured that as summer slows down and we enter a busy season of back to school, and for most normal routines, it was a nice time to focus on renewal and rest. To help anyone off track get back to some rhythms of quiet and rest that renews their spirit and inspires trust in the Lord.

These are great for any time of the year but really help to prepare our hearts before busy seasons or during times of waiting and trusting.

I pray that the scriptures, prayers, and journal prompts really draw you toward rejuvenation and joy in Christ Jesus. Sit at His feet and find His peace.

31 Days of Rest & Renewal Scriptures, Prayers, & Journal Prompts

Meditate on the word, pray through the topics, and journal your thoughts. God longs to meet with you and provide the rest and joy you need for each new day.

Week 1: Rest

Day 1: God’s mercies are new every morning

Scripture: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22–23

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your compassion and faithfulness never fail me. I look forward to your new mercies each morning as I seek your renewal and rest.

Journal prompt: Where in my life do I need renewal or rest right now?

Let Mercy and Truth Define You-Proverbs 3:3

Day 2: Rest for the weary

Scripture: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30

Prayer: God, give me strength to keep going even when I’m weary.

Journal prompt: What helps me feel most connected to God when I’m weary?

To the Mom who needs REST

Day 3: Sabbath Rest

Scripture: For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:11

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that Your day is holy and I should honor it with rest. Thank you for a day set aside to rest and that you gave us the example.

Journal prompt: What is one way I can intentionally slow down on the Sabbath this week?

Day 4: Times of refreshing

Scripture: Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,  and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I fail slow down and find rest in You. Quiet my anxious thoughts.

Journal prompt: What worries do I need to release to God today? What sins do I need to repent?

Day 5: Be still and know

Scripture: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Prayer: Father, remind me that I don’t have to strive — You are enough.

Journal prompt: When was the last time I was still before God in mind, body, and spirit?

Day 6: Jesus invites us to Rest

Scripture: Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your rest. Remind me what peace and joy are found in resting in Your presence.

Journal prompt: How does Jesus’ invitation to rest change how I think about rest?

Day 7: Abide in Christ

Scripture: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to abide in You. Let Your presence be my dwelling place.

Journal prompt: What does “abiding in Christ” look like in my current season?

Week 2: Perseverance

Day 8: Endurance

Scripture: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Prayer: God, forgive me and help me throw off the sin holding me back. Help me run this race faithfully, keeping my eyes on Jesus.

Journal prompt: What area of my life is requiring the most endurance? Who inspires me to “run the race” with perseverance?

How to Persevere in Prayer

Day 9: Don’t Grow Weary

Scripture: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Prayer: God, give me strength to keep going even when I’m weary. Help me not grow tired in doing good, Lord. You see my labor.

Journal prompt: When have I seen God strengthen me in hard times?

Day 10: Suffering

Scripture: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3–5

Prayer: God, I hate suffering and seek comfort, but I know you grow me in trials. Give me your hope and glory.

Journal prompt: What lessons have I learned through suffering and/or trials?

What the Bible Says About Suffering

Day 11: Pressing On

Scripture: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Prayer: Lord, give me boldness and perseverance to press on and keep eternity in mind.

Journal prompt: How can I forget what is behind and strive forward to the hope of the future?

Living as a Citizen of Heaven

Day 12: Finding Strength

Scripture: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Prayer: God, in my weakness, show Your power. I depend on You.

Journal prompt: How can I rely more on God’s strength than my own?

Day 13: Standing Firm

Scripture: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Prayer: Father, help me stand firm on Your Word when life is shaky. Remind me that my labor for you is never in vain.

Journal prompt: What truth from Scripture can I stand on right now?

How to be a Living Stone for Jesus

Day 14: Finishing Strong

Scripture: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8

Prayer: Lord, fill me with hope that outlasts hardship. Fill me with faith and help me finish strong.

Journal prompt: Do I long for the Lord’s appearance?

Week 3: Encouragement

Day 15: You are Chosen

Scripture: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Prayer: Thank You, God, for choosing me and calling me Your own.

Journal Prompt: What does it mean to me that I am chosen by God?

How the Gospel Changes Our Identity

Day 16: Created for Good Works

Scripture: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Prayer: God, allow me discernment as you reveal the good works You prepared for me.

Journal Prompt: What good works am I currently doing faithfully? What more can I do to serve others in need?

Day 17: Encourage One Another

Scripture: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Prayer: Father, help me to encourage others and to live in peace.

Journal Prompt: Who can I encourage today? Is there anyone I need to pursue peace with?

How to Encourage Others Spiritually

Day 18: Called for His Purpose

Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Prayer: Help me say “yes” to Your calling even when it feels uncertain.

Journal Prompt: What do I feel called to do in this season? What is one step I can take in faith toward my purpose?

Day 19: Use Your Gifts

Scripture: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4–6

Prayer: Show me how to use my gifts for Your glory, Lord.

Journal Prompt: What are my gifts? How can I use them to serve God?

Day 20: Faithful in Little

Scripture: Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10

Prayer: Keep my heart humble and faithful, Lord.

Journal Prompt: In what small ways can I be faithful today?

Don’t Underestimate Small Things

Day 21: Shine Your Light

Scripture: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Let my life reflect Your light, Jesus.

Journal Prompt: How can I reflect the light of Jesus in my daily life?

Week 4: Producing Fruit

Day 22: Bearing Fruit

Scripture: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to remain in You. Apart from you, I can do nothing.

Journal Prompt: What am I currently striving to do on my own that isn’t bearing fruit? How can I commit it to the Lord?

Day 23: Fruits of the Spirit

Scripture: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer: Help me bear fruit that lasts, God and honors You.

Journal Prompt: What fruit of the Spirit is God growing in me?

Day 24: Sow Bountifully

Scripture: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Prayer: Father, make me generous and joyful in giving.

Journal Prompt: How can I be generous this week — what time, talent, or treasure do I need to give away?

The Generous Will Prosper-Proverbs 11:24-25

Day 25: Reaping Joy

Scripture: Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5-6

Prayer: Let me not forget the blessings I’ve received. Thank You, Lord, that you turn weeping into songs of joy.

Journal Prompt: What is currently causing me tears? Do I believe God can turn it around so that I will reap joy?

Day 26: Giving Thanks

Scripture: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Prayer: God, I thank you now for ______________.

Journal Prompt: What simple things am I especially grateful for today?

Day 27: The Harvest is Plentiful

Scripture: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

Prayer: Lord, send more workers into Your harvest — use me.

Journal Prompt: Who in my life needs me to plant gospel seeds in their hearts? How can I be more intentional and bold with the good news?

How Can I Share the Gospel with Others?

Day 28: Blessings of Obedience

Scripture: If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God…(Recommended to continue to read through v.14) Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Prayer: Teach me to obey You with gladness, not just duty.

Journal Prompt: What has obedience looked like for me this month? Where have I failed to obey?

Week 5: Renewal

As we wrap up, be sure to go back and read what God has taught you through your journal prompts. Praise God for the ways He has given you rest, peace, and comfort. Ask for hope and trust for future days.

Day 29: Examine your Heart

Scripture: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

Prayer: Search my heart, Lord. Make me more like You.

Journal Prompt: What is God revealing to me about my heart? What do I need to confess or change?

Keep a Clean Heart

Day 30: Focus on Heaven

Scripture: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

Prayer: Jesus, help me keep my mind on things above, not just what’s around me.

Journal Prompt: Where have I been distracted from eternal things and focusing on earthly things?

4 Things That Last Forever

Day 31: Hope for the Future

Scripture: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:3-5

Prayer: God, I long for the hope of heaven with You. Keep my heart focused on You and remind me to rest in Your promises for the future.

Journal Prompt: What are my prayers and hopes for the next month?