The Upper Room, the longest-running daily devotional in the world, celebrates its 90th year of publishing stories of faith and prayer in 2025.
Born amid the challenges of the Great Depression, The Upper Room emerged from a simple yet profound idea: to reestablish the “family altar” — the practice of daily prayer and Bible reading in the home.
Frances Craig, a Sunday school teacher in San Antonio, Texas, saw the need for resources that would help people turn to a practice of daily prayer. She shared her vision with Travis Park Methodist Episcopal Church and leaders of the MEC Board of Home Missions. And in 1935, something new came to life; 100,000 copies of the first issue of The Upper Room were printed and quickly sold out. Read more about our rich history here.
Today, from Argentina to Zimbabwe, The Upper Room devotional is available in more than 30 languages across 100 countries.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE
“I thank God for The Upper Room devotional guide, a constant source of encouragement in my spiritual journey, and for the many ways it is helping thousands of people around the world to grow in their knowledge, experiences, and outward expressions of the healing love of Jesus Christ.” —Bishop Héctor Burgos-Núñez, Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area of the UMC
Real stories. Real people. Real faith.
From its first print run of 100,000 to its circulation of 3 million readers today, The Upper Room continues its nine-decades-strong mission of connecting people through personal stories and prayer.
Every day, Christians around the world pray the same prayer, reflect on the same scripture, and find strength in the stories of others.
You can be part of this global faith community — and even contribute your own story. Learn more about writing for us at UpperRoom.org/write.
Discover the many ways to use The Upper Room to deepen your faith:
Join thousands of other Christians around the world in prayer every day. Subscribe to The Upper Room today.