Here’s your Bible Gateway verse-of-the-day calendar for the month of May. Click each link below to read the verse in your preferred translation — or scroll to the bottom to download the image (or PDF) of all verse references.
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Bible Gateway’s Verses of the Day for May
| Day | Verse |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:6 |
| 2 | 1 John 5:14–15 |
| 3 | Romans 12:12 |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 7:14 |
| 5 | Philippians 4:6–7 [What does Philippians really say about anxiety?] |
| 6 | James 5:16 |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 |
| 8 | Colossians 4:5–6 |
| 9 | Romans 8:1–2 |
| 10 | Matthew 18:15 [What does biblical forgiveness look like in this chapter?] |
| 11 | Ephesians 4:32 |
| 12 | Proverbs 31:10, 27–28 |
| 13 | Proverbs 31:30 |
| 14 | Psalm 139:13–14 |
| 15 | Ecclesiastes 11:5 |
| 16 | Zephaniah 3:17 |
| 17 | Romans 11:33 |
| 18 | Hebrews 6:10 |
| 19 | James 3:17–18 |
| 20 | Romans 15:5–6 |
| 21 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 |
| 22 | Galatians 5:13 |
| 23 | Romans 15:2 |
| 24 | Romans 12:10 |
| 25 | James 1:19 |
| 26 | John 3:17 |
| 27 | Acts 20:24 |
| 28 | Romans 12:15 |
| 29 | Psalm 103:17–18 |
| 30 | Psalm 56:4 |
| 31 | 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 |
A Life Shaped by Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
May 7’s reading this month is from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. In a few short lines, Paul describes a way of life that can feel almost impossible at times:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Th. 5:16-18 NIV)
How can anyone live this way — especially in difficult seasons?
The NIV Woman’s Study Bible (available with Bible Gateway Plus) helps clarify what Paul is pointing to:
“The Thessalonians were apparently under tremendous persecutions. … In the midst of their persecution, these requests seem absurd. Yet, these requested actions are not in response to their present circumstances but to their future hope in Christ and will be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit in them.”
This insight reframes the passage. Joy, prayer, and gratitude are not dependent on what is happening around you. They flow from what God has already promised — and from the Spirit’s work within you.
With Bible Gateway Plus, Study Bibles like the NIV Woman’s Study Bible — and many more — appear alongside the verses you’re reading — helping you understand not just what Scripture says, but what it means in context.
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