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A daily devotional can be a gentle doorway into a habit of meeting God each morning. A short reading, a passage of Scripture, a prayer—and suddenly the day begins with eternity in view rather than the news or an inbox.
Devotionals vary widely in style and theology. Some are centuries-old classics; others are written for today’s busy readers. The best devotional always sends you back to the Bible itself. Here are some of the most trusted options, with honest notes on each, so you can find one that fits your season.
Our Picks at a Glance
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers: deep, challenging spiritual reflection
- Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon (ESV edition, revised by Alistair Begg): twice-daily Scripture meditation
- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp: gospel-centered encouragement for real life
- Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: a gentle, comforting devotional
- Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman: hope in seasons of suffering
- The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett: prayer-based devotion
1. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Best for: deep, challenging spiritual reflection
First published in 1935 from the talks of Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest is one of the best-selling devotionals of all time. Each reading is short but searching, calling the reader to complete surrender to Christ. It is available in the classic language and an updated edition with modernized wording.
Pros
- Spiritually rich and convicting
- Timeless; read by generations
- Short daily readings
Cons
- Classic language can feel dense
- Some readings require rereading to grasp
Who it’s for: Mature believers who want to be stretched and challenged.
View My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers on Amazon
2. Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon (ESV edition, revised by Alistair Begg)
Best for: twice-daily Scripture meditation
The ‘Prince of Preachers’ wrote a reading for every morning and evening of the year, each built on a single verse. Spurgeon’s warmth, vivid imagery, and love for Christ shine on every page. The Crossway edition linked here, revised by pastor Alistair Begg, gently modernizes Spurgeon’s English and uses the ESV for the Scripture text.
Pros
- Two readings a day
- Deeply Christ-centered
- Rich in Scripture
Cons
- Even modernized, the Victorian cadence may feel old-fashioned
- Long-form paragraphs
Who it’s for: Readers who want to bookend their day with the gospel.
View Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon (ESV edition, revised by Alistair Begg) on Amazon
3. New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Best for: gospel-centered encouragement for real life
Paul David Tripp offers 365 daily readings that apply the grace of the gospel to ordinary struggles—anger, fear, discouragement, and pride. Each begins with a memorable thought and closes with suggested Scripture for further reading.
Pros
- Honest and pastoral
- Clear gospel focus
- Points to further Bible reading
Cons
- Themes can feel repetitive across the year
- Shorter on exposition
Who it’s for: Anyone weary or discouraged who needs daily reminders of grace.
View New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp on Amazon
4. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Best for: a gentle, comforting devotional
Jesus Calling is one of the most popular devotionals of recent decades. Written in the first person from Jesus’s perspective, it offers comfort and peace. Many readers find it encouraging, though some pastors caution that the first-person voice can be confused with Scripture. If you use it, read the referenced Bible passages each day.
Pros
- Comforting and accessible
- Short readings
- Includes Scripture references
Cons
- First-person ‘Jesus’ voice is debated among Christians
- Lighter on doctrine
Who it’s for: Readers seeking comfort who will pair it with Scripture reading.
View Jesus Calling by Sarah Young on Amazon
5. Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman
Best for: hope in seasons of suffering
Compiled by Lettie Cowman while caring for her ill husband in the early 1900s, Streams in the Desert gathers poems, stories, and reflections for those in seasons of trial. It has comforted grieving and suffering readers for over a century.
Pros
- Deeply comforting in hard seasons
- Variety of voices and poems
- Proven over generations
Cons
- Older style
- Less systematic teaching
Who it’s for: Those walking through grief, illness, or long trials.
View Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman on Amazon
6. The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett
Best for: prayer-based devotion
Not a typical devotional, The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan prayers. Reading one each morning can shape how you speak to God—with humility, gratitude, and longing. Many use it alongside a Bible-reading plan.
Pros
- Beautiful, theologically rich prayers
- Teaches you how to pray
- Can be read in any order
Cons
- Poetic language takes time to absorb
- Not dated by day
Who it’s for: Believers who want to deepen their prayer life.
View The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett on Amazon
Buying Guide
Pick a style that fits your season
Classic devotionals challenge; modern ones often comfort. In grief, choose comfort. In comfort, choose challenge.
Check the theology
Read a few entries before committing. Does it point you to Christ and Scripture? Does it align with the teaching of your church?
Pair it with Scripture
A devotional should be the side dish, not the meal. Read the Bible passage first, then the devotional reflection.
Choose a format
Hardcover, leather, large print, and app editions exist for many classics. Choose what you’ll actually pick up each morning.
How to get the most from a devotional
Read slowly, perhaps twice. Underline one sentence that stands out. Then open your Bible to the passage the devotional is drawn from and read the surrounding verses so you see the context. Close with a short written or spoken prayer that turns the truth into conversation with God. If you miss a day, don’t try to catch up with a stack of readings; simply pick up with today. Some readers like to share one insight with a spouse, friend, or small group each week, which turns private devotion into encouragement for others and helps the lesson stick.
Build a simple rhythm
Same time, same place, a cup of coffee, and a few minutes of silence. Habits grow from small, consistent steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Christian devotional?
My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling are among the best-selling devotionals of all time.
Is a devotional a substitute for Bible reading?
No. A devotional is best used alongside Scripture, not instead of it.
Which devotional is best for new believers?
New Morning Mercies is accessible and gospel-centered; updated editions of Morning and Evening are also great.
Can I start a devotional partway through the year?
Of course. Start on today’s date and keep going—there’s no need to wait for January.
A Closing Word
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22, ESV), and verse 23 adds that they are fresh every morning. Whatever devotional you choose, let it be a daily reminder to receive that mercy afresh. And if you’d like a place to start, sign up for our free 7-Day Devotional.