The best scriptures from the NIV Bible that can be used in an International Day of Peace worship service are listed on this page for the 17 different ways that are given below. If you click or tap on one of them, it will take you to its location on this page.
Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God
Assurances of God’s Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions
Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace
Introductions to Scripture Readings
Introductions Before Offerings
Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving
Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God
Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God
Since the following scriptures may contain an incomplete verse and have been removed from their contexts in the Bible, it is up to you to make the final determination if they will properly accomplish the purpose for which you are going to use them. Scriptures that are listed below that are incomplete will have an asterisk after their references.
The Best Calls to Worship for the International Day of Peace
12 “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” Isaiah 55:12, 13b*
1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 15 Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations. 16 Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One . . . . 17 I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler. 18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. 19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:1-2, 5, 15, 16b, 17c-19*
Other Calls to Worship to Consider Using
68 “Praise be to the Lord . . . because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:68-72, 74-75, 78-79*
The Best Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions for
the International Day of Peace
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Other Prayers of Adoration and Their Introductions to Consider Using
2 [Y]ou are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Jonah 4:2c*
5 “My covenant was with him [Levi], a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.” Malachi 2:5
The Best Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their Introductions for the International Day of Peace
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Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
37 When he [Jesus] came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:37-40*
The Best Introductions to Singing for the International Day of Peace
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Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Psalm 105:1-3
5 “Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy . . . for great is the Holy One . . . among you.” Isaiah 12:5-6*
9 Burst into songs of joy together . . . for the LORD has comforted his people, . . . . 10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:9-10*
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy . . . because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:6a, 9-14*
The Best Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions for
the International Day of Peace
4 “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 7 Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame . . . . 8 We . . . are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us . . . . 11 Therefore . . . curses . . . have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 13 [D]isaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. 15 [W]e have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath . . . . 17 Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see . . . . We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because . . . your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:4-5, 7-10, 11b, 13-16a, 17a, 18-19*
10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:10-18
Other Confessions of Sin and Their Introductions to Consider Using
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.” Genesis 6:11-14
22 “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 48:22
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22
26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:26-27, 30-31
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20
The Best Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s Forgiveness, and Absolutions for the International Day of Peace
19 God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [the Son], 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Colossians 1:19-22
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:9-12
Other Assurances of Pardon, Declarations of God’s
Forgiveness, and Absolutions to Consider Using
21 “[T]here is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:21d-22*
9 “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;” Daniel 9:9
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50
12 “Salvation is found in no one else [but Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:9-10
The Best Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another, and Passing God’s Peace for the International Day of Peace
12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
5 I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 2 John 5*
Other Scriptures on Fellowship, Loving One Another,
and Passing God’s Peace to Consider Using
17 “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Romans 12:10a*
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
The Best Introductions to Scripture Readings for
the International Day of Peace
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One . . . : “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17-18*
Other Introductions to Scripture Readings to Consider Using
165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2
The Best Introductions Before Offerings for the International Day of Peace
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21
6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8
Other Introductions Before Offerings to Consider Using
26 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” 1 Corinthians 10:26*
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions for
the International Day of Peace
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions” that apply well for an International Day of Peace worship service so there are more than this listed below.
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say . . . , “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7*
19 “[L]ove truth and peace.” Zechariah 8:19b*
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
19 Let us . . . make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19*
14 [T]he entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14*
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
13 Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:13b*
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8
17 [T]he wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18*
Other Prayers of Dedication and Their Introductions to Consider Using
27 He [Jesus] answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Luke 10:27
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Romans 14:17-18
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
The Best Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for the International Day of Peace
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a*
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say . . . , “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7*
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Other Prayers of Thanksgiving and Their Introductions to Consider Using
3 They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Micah 4:3bc*
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
The Best Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions
for the International Day of Peace
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45a*
8 I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8*
Other Prayers of Requests and Their Introductions to Consider Using
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ” Matthew 6:9-13
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Luke 11:2-4
The Best Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions for the International Day of Peace
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Other Prayers of Requests and Thanksgiving and Their
Introductions to Consider Using
8 I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8*
The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God for
the International Day of Peace
The maximum number of scriptures that are usually listed for a way to use them in a worship service are about 10. But there are many of “The Best Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God” that apply well for an International Day of Peace worship service so there are more than this listed below.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a*
26 “ ‘I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. 27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ ” Ezekiel 37:26a, 27*
3 They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Micah 4:3bc*
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
33 “I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
21 Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:21a*
Other Affirmations, Encouragements, and Promises of God to Consider Using
11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
8 I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants . . . . Psalm 85:8*
14 “In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.” Isaiah 54:14
19 “Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. Isaiah 57:19b*
6 “ ‘I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.’ ” Jeremiah 33:6*
5 And he will be our peace . . . . Micah 5:5a*
36 Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36*
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20a*
13 [N]ow in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace . . . , Ephesians 2:13-14*
The Best Exhortations for the International Day of Peace
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say . . . , “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7*
3 They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Micah 4:3bc*
19 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “[L]ove truth and peace.” Zechariah 8:19b*
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
19 Let us . . . make every effort to do what leads to peace . . . . Romans 14:19*
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone . . . . Hebrews 12:14
Other Exhortations to Consider Using
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45a*
37 “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-39*
13 Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:13b*
The Best Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God for
the International Day of Peace
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7a*
Other Ascriptions and Self-Declarations by God to Consider Using
24 [T]he LORD Is Peace. Judges 6:24a*
The Best Benedictions and Blessings for the International Day of Peace
24 “ ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ ” Numbers 6:24-26
29 “Sovereign LORD, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” Luke 2:29
27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20–21
Other Benedictions and Blessings to Consider Using
17 “ ‘Let each one go home in peace.’ ” 1 Kings 22:17b*
36 “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36*
21 Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:21*
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23a, 24*