20 of the Best Daily Devotional Books

The truth be told, I’ve never made it through a whole devotional book. It’s not that I’m against devotionals, but they generally just aren’t my style. I prefer a Bible reading plan at my own pace–where I can really dig into passages each day and not feel like I’m going through the motions in my devotional reading.

Why then share a list of helpful devotionals? Enough people have asked me that I thought it would be helpful. What I share below is a wide sweep of devotionals that are faithful to Scripture and helpful for your spiritual life (all are for both men and women and/or the family). Whenever available, I share links to free online versions. Most of the descriptions are from Amazon, but a few times I share my thoughts. If you have a helpful devotional that meets that criteria, feel free to share in the comments.

Also check out: 100+ of the Best Christian Biographies

(Also, the links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, a small percentage of the sale goes to me at no extra cost to you. This helps me cover blog expenses. Thanks!)

20 Recommended Daily Devotionals

1.For the Love of God Volume 1(and Volume 2)by D.A. Carson (available free on The Gospel Coalition and in Spanish Por el Amor De Dios Volumen 1,Por el Amor De Dios Volumen 2)

I have used this devotional and reading plan for two years along with the men I meet with each week. As you would expect from a world-class scholar in biblical theology, Carson explains and applies one of the four passages of the reading plan and gives readers a good grasp on the Bible’s overall story. Even though the rest of this list (4-20) is not in any particular order, this is my choice for #1.

2. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotionscompiled by Arthur Bennett (now available in Spanish)

This classic book of prayers and devotions is a must-have. The rich and poetic words of this work warm up my heart in prayer and focus my eyes on our amazing God. You won’t be disappointed.

3.The One Year Unlocking the Bible Devotionalby Colin S. Smith and Tim Augustyn

If there is any book on this list I am unashamedly biased towards, it is this book. I grew up under Colin Smith’s teaching (and attend his church) and worked at Unlocking the Bible alongside Tim Augustyn during my seminary days. Also highly recommended: Unlocking the Bible Story 4 Volume Set.

4.New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotionalby Paul David Tripp

5.Through the Bible, Through the Year: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelationby John Stott

6. Living in the Spirit: A 30-Day Devotional by J.I. Packer

7.Voices From The Past – Puritan Devotional Readingsby Richard Rushing

8.Morning and Evening Daily Readings by Charles Spurgeon

(free PDF)

You may also enjoy: Gospel Hope for Anxious Hearts: Trading Fear and Worry for the Peace of God by Charles Spurgeon

9. Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith by Scotty Smith (also read Scotty Smith’s blog for prayers)

10. Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings by L. B. E. Cowman and Jim Reimann

11. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (read free online)

12.Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives by Christian Counseling and Education Foundation

13. Heaven: Your Real Home by Joni Eareckson Tada

14. Holiness Day-by-Day: Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey by Jerry Bridges

15. Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God(OT) and Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God (NT) by Marty Machowski

16. The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalmsby Tim and Kathy Keller

Read my review of The Songs of Jesus and how it compares to the popular, yet controversial, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

17.Daily Readings From the Life of Christ, Volume 1 by John MacArthur

18. Walking with God Day-to-Day: 365 Daily Devotional Selections by Martyn Lloyd Jones

19.The Gospel According to Job: An Honest Look at Pain and Doubt from the Life of One Who Lost Everything by Mike Mason

20.Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn

Also worth mentioning:

• Faith Alone: A Martin Luther Devotional
• One Year Christian History
• 365 Days with Charles Spurgeon
• 365 Days with John Newton
• To the One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3 by Sam Storms (see other meditations from Sam Storms)
• Solid Joys: Daily Devotions from John Piper (access online)
• Journey to the Cross: Readings and Devotions for Lent(free PDF) by Kendall Haug and Will Walker
• The Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin (free online)
• The Christian in Complete Armour: Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare by William Gurnall

What would you add?

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