Your ultimate guide to devotional books for 2026
Finding a rhythm of daily connection with God can transform your spiritual life, turning a hurried morning routine into a space for renewal and reflection.
With thousands of devotional book options, however, starting can feel overwhelming.
That's why we’ve curated the best devotional books for your “quiet time” with God, from recommendations specifically written for men and women, to devotional books for different stages and seasons of life.
This guide also includes practical tips, answers common questions, and generally tries to encourage the Christian life.
We hope you'll develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ will be deepened when you incorporate a meditative time with God on most days (if not every day). Remember, each day is a new beginning — you can start a devotional practice at the beginning or any other day of the year.
Table of Contents ▲
1. What is a devotional and why does it matter?
A Christian devotional is time set aside to connect specifically with God, and many Christians use devotional books to help them focus their attention and deepen their relationship through Scripture readings, an inspirational message, and prayer prompts or reflection questions. It helps them seek the heart of God and deepens their spiritual journey.
By meditating and reflecting on a Bible reading, verse, or passage, you’re inviting God into your daily life. His Word can help light up the path he wants for you each day, as it says in Psalm 119:105 (NIV), “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
Devotionals vs. sermons vs. Bible studies
Devotional time, sometimes called quiet time, is individual time to read Scripture, reflect, and pray. Meditating on God’s word, seeking his guidance and help through prayer, and listening for his “still small voice” brings spiritual direction, comfort, and a deeper sense of God’s love and desire for a relationship with you.
That’s different from a full Bible study, where you analyze or reflect on Bible passages or books in an effort to better understand the context of that piece of Scripture.
When you study the Bible, whether individually or in a group, the goal is often intellectual: The understanding of God through studying the history, genre, and underlying doctrine and theology of a piece of Scripture. Many studies focus on the life of Jesus or specific books in the Old Testament.
It’s also different from a sermon, where a pastor teaches or inspires the application of Scripture to the entire church body.
A message or homily helps the church congregation understand and apply the Scripture reading and is typically combined with communal worship through the service or mass.
Do many Christians do devotionals?
When you intentionally spend one-on-one time with God, you’re joining the wide community of believers who are doing the same thing.
Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers spend time with God each day, and the vast majority spend one-on-one time with him at least once a week, according to Lifeway Research.
While busy schedules can often pull you away from a daily devotional habit —it can be especially challenging if your career of family schedules aren’t consistent — the benefits of just three or five minutes with God can bring a sense of peace and purpose to your day.
As the “Prince of Preachers,” Charles H. Spurgeon, once said, "A smile from Jesus in the morning will be sunshine all the day."
2. The benefits of a daily devotional habit
Many Christians look forward to their daily devotional time because it grows them spiritually. They notice a real impact on their day when they spend time in Scripture or with a trusted devotional book.
They benefit from:
Spiritual growth and direction as you meditate on God’s Word and reflect on how it applies to your own life
Spiritual and emotional support as you reach out to God in prayer and listen for his “still small voice” as he responds
Improved resilience and perseverance as you turn to God’s strength and support through challenges
Aligning spiritual values and daily life, as a daily devotional, helps you focus on living out your beliefs each day
Scientific support for daily, meditative devotionals
Research has found that meditative prayers are linked to positive outcomes, including improved life satisfaction, happiness, and existential wellbeing.
People who practice spiritual meditation, which is a common component of a daily devotional practice, have been found to have greater decreases in anxiety and stress, as well as increases in a positive mood.
In addition, meditation prayers have been found to help pain tolerance.
Considering how the Book of Psalms often expresses their gratitude and adoration of God — their joy and happiness at being loved and cared for by him — it’s clear that dwelling in God’s goodness is always a good thing!
3. What is a devotional book?
Devotional books provide Christians with hand-selected Bible verses or Scripture passages, short reflections to help them understand or reflect on Scripture, and questions or prayer prompts to help them grow deeper in their relationship with God.
Many devotional books are structured specifically to enhance worship and prayer time, providing a structural approach that’s usually along a specific theme or to help reflect on God’s promises during a season or challenge of life.
Sometimes picking a new book can help reinvigorate your devotional life by focusing on a different theme or perspective about the word of God.
Devotional books make great gifts. Many Christians enjoy giving devotionals to friends or family members. If you see one that would speak to a loved one’s heart, consider gifting it to them on their birthday, an anniversary, or on Christmas or Easter.
If you have an older friend or relative, many devotionals now come in large print, soft cover, or imitation leather.
How to pick a devotional book?
Choosing a devotional book for your quiet time with God can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of choices. And when you rely on a friend or family member’s recommendation, you’re left disappointed.
The devotional book that seemed to speak directly to their heart seems to fall flat when you read it.
“Be who you are and be that well,” is a famous quote by St. Francis De Sales, one I think applies here. Known for his influential writings on spiritual direction, De Sales understood that God didn’t wire us the same.
God designed you lovingly and intentionally to be who you are, and he understands the unique challenges that this season of life brings. So why not lean into that?
“Be who you are and be that well.”
Selecting a devotional book for this season
Focus on finding the best devotional book for this season, which may not be the best devotional “ever.”
The reason to read a devotional book is to help you draw closer to God, so consider both your personality — what naturally interests you — as well as your:
Spiritual season. There are devotional books written for new seasons, such as being a new mom. There are devotionals specifically written for Christians walking through grief, cancer, or other seasons of life.
Area of your life. There are devotions specifically for moms and dads, for example, or for married couples.
The time you’ll have. Some are written for brief reflections. There are 3-minute devotions available or longer ones if you have more time.
Spiritual depth. Some of the most widely read devotional books are written for new believers or in a gentle and soothing tone. Others require a more academic approach or a mature theological foundation to build on.
Format. Some daily devotional books offer a Bible verse and reflection, some devotional journals include space for notes or incorporate writing prompts, while others use audiobooks or apps.
Daily commitment. Some devotionals are written in a 365-day format, with a reading and Scripture each day, while others have shorter commitments, such as 40 days or 100 days. There’s no right or wrong approach.
Personal reflections. Some Christians greatly appreciate thoughtful writing prompts, reflection questions, or encouragement to say their own prayers.
Budget. Many daily devotionals can be found for free online. Some churches have lending libraries you can borrow from, and my guess is there are at least a few devotionals gathering dust at a friend or family member’s house. Many prefer purchasing a devotional because they can highlight it, spill coffee, and enjoy it to its fullest.
4. For women: The best devotional books
‘Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Young
With more than 45 million copies sold worldwide, “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young may be the most widely read devotional book in modern history. It’s written as if Jesus is speaking to you directly. It's a great book for any Christian.
Best for: New Christians or women who are going through a challenging time or seeking a soothing or reassuring devotional.
Spending time in your daily devotional time listening to God’s “still, small voice” can transform your life and your intimacy with God. “He Whispers your Name: 365 Devotions for Women” by Cherie Hill will encourage you to reach out to God and listen.
Best for: Christian women who want to grow spiritually.
More devotional books for women
Allow yourself to lean into God’s unique design for you as a woman during your quiet time with the 17 best devotions specifically for women.
As Stasi Eldredge, a bestselling Christian author, has said, “Your feminine heart has been created with the greatest of all possible dignities—as a reflection of God’s own heart."
➡️ Discover the best devotionals for women for 2026
“Your feminine heart has been created with the greatest of all possible dignities — as a reflection of God’s own heart.”
5. For men: The best devotional books
‘The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge’ by Tony Dungy
Written by a NFL head coach, respected leader, and committed Christian family man, “The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge” by Tony Dungy is a 365-day devotional that challenges men to live with purpose.
Best for: Men who are new Christians or who want to be challenged in living out their faith.
‘Daily Strength for Men: A 365-Day Devotional’ by Chris Bolinger
‘Daily Strength for Men: A 365-Day Devotional’ by Chris Bolinger will help men seek God’s strength, courage, and wisdom on a daily basis. Drawing from his years counseling men as a pastor, Bolinger offers steadfast encouragement on living out their faith each day, even during life’s toughest times.
Best for: Men seeking an accessible devotional, with stories and takeaways. It’s often gifted to husbands, boyfriends, and fathers.
More devotional books for men
A man’s heart is unique — and a devotional book for men should recognize that. Lean into God’s unique design for you with the 10 best devotional books written for men.
As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Christian man, it seems to me, is the noblest style of man; the freest, bravest, most heroic, and most fearless of men.”
➡️ Discover the best devotionals for men for 2026
“The Christian man, it seems to me, is the noblest style of man; the freest, bravest, most heroic, and most fearless of men.”
6. For couples: Devotionals to do together
‘The Love Dare’ by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick
“The Love Dare: A 40-Day Challenge for Husbands and Wives to Understand and Practice Unconditional Love” by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick is a bestselling devotional about marriage that challenges couples to practice daily challenges of unconditional love. It’s built off the Christian movie “Fireproof.”
Best for: Married couples who want to apply the concepts from the movie. That includes renewing their sense of intimacy, improving communication, and strengthening their bond.
Written for weekly devotion, “Devotions for a Sacred Marriage: A Year of Weekly Devotions for Couples” by Gary Thomas offers 52-week readings about marriage that focuses on how it creates a path to holiness and knowing God.
Best for: Married couples who want to grow spiritually and grow closer together, as well as improve their communication and how they handle disagreements
More devotional books written for couples or spouses
God’s design for marriage is unique, and spending devotional time with your spouse — or, as you prepare for marriage, your partner, or fiancé — can pay dividends as you improve your relationship with each other and God.
As the great evangelist Billy Graham once said, “Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.”
➡️ Discover the best devotionals for couples and the best devotionals for married couples. And, if you’re seriously dating, the best devotions for dating couples.
“Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.”
7. For moms and dads: Best parenting devotionals
The parenthood journey is unique, and spending intentional time with your Heavenly Father can help you become the mother or father to your children that they need.
➡️ Find the best devotional for moms
8. More great devotional book options
➡️ Discover the best daily devotions with 365 readings
➡️ Explore the best devotional journals for 2026
9. How to build a consistent devotional habit
More than anything, it’s important to give yourself grace if you’re starting, restarting, or trying to establish a daily devotional routine. Instead of focusing on the clock time (when you’ll do your devotional), focus instead on building a habit of devotion for 10 minutes on most days.
Sit in the same spot each time, whether a chair or couch corner. Keep your devotional book nearby as well as other supplies, making this a designated space for devotions.
Stack your devotional habit with an existing habit. For example, if you drink a cup of coffee each morning, read a devotional book at the same time.
Prepare your devotional space the night before by setting out your Bible, devotional book, a journal (if you use one) and any other tools or resources you use.
Pray for the desire, guidance, and support in making your devotional time a habit. Asking God to help you prioritize your devotional time can help — whether you’re just starting or need to reinvigorate an existing habit.
➡️ Looking for more advice on how to do devotions? We’ve curated the best tips and advice for you — written with the modern hectic schedule in mind.
“You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”