365 Days of Peace: Benedictions to End Your Day in Gentleness and Hope

by Jessica Kantrowitz

By the end of the day we’re often exhausted, worn down by meeting other’s needs and our own, frustrated by things that happened today, and anxious about what’s going to happen tomorrow. In 365 Days of Peace, writer and theologian Jessica Kantrowitz offers a moment of peace for that transition into the evening. In each of these short benedictions, first posted on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, she identifies struggles common to us all yet specific enough that some readers have wondered if she was reading their journals. She then speaks peace over them and over us, offering blessings that are pastoral but also inclusive, accessible for people of any faith, or of none.

Light a candle, make a cup of tea, and settle into the evening with this book, in gentleness, hope, and peace.

Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Nonfiction

403 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Jessica Kantrowitz is a writer and theologian living in Boston, Massachusetts. She writes about theology, culture, social justice, and chronic illness, including her own struggles with depression and migraines. Her writing has been featured in places like Sojourners, Think Christian, The Good Men Project, and Our Bible App. She earned her MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Her first book, The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You through Depression releases through Fortress Press in May, 2020.

Reviews

[Jessica Kantrowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a collaborative experience, writing these into Twitter every evening for a year. I am so grateful for everyone who read, shared, sent me messages, and encouraged me to put these into a book. I worked really hard to make it beautiful for you. I hope you like it.
~Jessica

[Katie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written devotional of benedictions is just the balm for a weary soul!

[KA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessings to meet you where you are, whatever you're going through, whether good, difficult, or confusing. Jessica gently and deftly affirms all the contradictory and complex emotions we feel and too often try to repress. She sees them, names them, makes them at home with us and us with them. And there is a surprising amount of peace in that.

[Carlene Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I bought this book, I bought many copies for gifts. Every recipient has loved it. At a time that has stressed and overwhelmed many, Kantrowitz’s calm voice and welcoming approach could make her Mr Rogers to a generation of grownup kids.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book feels like a moment of calm, comforting respite. The words are rich with meaning and depth, conveying so much wisdom, compassion, and warmth in just a few words for each day. I’m looking forward to reading some of these as a blessing over my directees in spiritual direction.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have! Keep this near your bedtime space and wrap yourself with a benediction before you slumber.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely set of daily reflections that eerily hit the right note on just the right day. Many were written in 2020, so there is a sense of place and time around COVID woven in here.

[D.L. Mayfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a beautiful way to start or end your day.