Top Ten Devotionals

From books of prayer and Bible study guides to inspirational stories and spiritual self-help books, devotionals come in all shapes and sizes. There are devotionals for Christians of all kinds--so many, in fact, that it can be tough to select the right one for you.

Streams in the Desert

By L.B. Cowman

A devotional for dry spiritual seasons, "Streams in the Desert" is a 366-day guide to help you reconnect with God. Start each day with a Scripture from the Bible and a short compilation of beautiful analogies, inspirational anecdotes about missionaries and faith workers, and poems whose spiritual caliber is akin to that of Gerard Manley Hopkins and George Herbert.

L.B. Cowman's classic devotional, first published in 1925, reads like a personal journal, but it connects writings from a wide range of sources.

Find your spiritual oasis by making this creativity-infused devotional part of your daily walk.

Daily Guideposts

"Daily Guideposts" is not your normal devotional. It reads like a storybook, its writers are just like you and each year it is not just updated, but brand new. Sixty writers from all walks of life contribute their personal stories and testimonies to guide readers through the year. Each writer uses Scripture to connect their stories to divine providence.

On the last page of each month, "Daily Guideposts" includes space for writing down your daily thoughts about "Your Walk With God." This devotional truly relates to everyday people, particularly those new to using devotionals.

Your Best Life Now

By Joel Osteen

Most people aspire to better jobs, better marriages, and an overall better way of life, but how can those aspirations be realized?

In "Your Best Life Now" Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen helps readers attain the life they have only dreamed about.

Osteen provides seven steps for living at your full potential, addressing everything from your attitude toward yourself and generosity toward God's kingdom to being happy in all circumstances. On each step, Osteen offers his trademark practical insight and encouragement to help you along the journey.

Taming a Liger

By Jeff Dunn and Adam Palmer

The llama's fed? Quesa-dilluhs ready? Moon boots off?

If you know how to answer these questions then you must be a "Napoleon Dynamite" fan. But did you know that there are spiritual lessons to be learned from the movie?

"Taming a Liger: Unexpected Spiritual Lessons from Napoleon Dynamite" takes the movie's most notable lines and translates them into spiritual Tater Tots of wisdom.

From drawing parallels between Napoleon and the Israelites of the Bible to explaining why Napoleon keeps his plans private, each chapter helps fans find deeper spiritual meaning in the movie and make each day a little bit sweeter.

Magnificat

Catholics looking for daily Bible readings and devotional prayers can find them in "Magnificat," a monthly pocket-sized magazine.

In addition to each day's Mass readings, "Magnificat" offers morning and evening prayers from the "Liturgy of the Hours," short, compelling text about saints, and writings by renowned Catholic leaders, past and present.

The gorgeous cover art--with an accompanying essay describing the artwork's religious themes--is another plus. A popular choice among devout Catholics, Magnificat is also helpful for new Catholics seeking to navigate the liturgy.

My Utmost for His Highest

By Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest" is a perennial favorite among devotional readers. Written in 1935, the book is a compilation of Chamber's preaching to students and soldiers.

"Utmost" has been updated several times, but it has retained its power to draw people closer to God. Each day the book offers Chambers' thoughts on complex themes such as redemption, waiting on God, and preaching the Gospel.

The most recent version of the book, edited by James Reimann, has been revised into today's language so that readers can glean more from Chambers' insights.

The Purpose Driven Life

By Rick Warren

If you've ever asked yourself "What on earth am I here for?" then Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" is for you.

Unlike secular self-help guides, this 40-day journey encourages readers to put God before self in the pursuit of purpose. Warren also challenges Christians to re-think the meaning of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism.

Don't be alarmed if it takes you more than 40-days to read the book--it will be well worth the overtime.

Here I Am To Worship

If you love worship music but have wondered how to incorporate it into your devotional time, this book is your answer. "Here I Am to Worship," the worship anthem by Tim Hughes sung in churches from London to Los Angeles, has spawned a book by the same name formatted as a 30-day devotional.

Each daily entry includes a line-by-line breakdown of the lyrics, Scriptural references, a personal reflection, and a prayer.

If you find that you love this book, check out the "Songs 4 Worship" devotional series, eleborating on the message of popular worship songs such as "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart."

The Book of Common Prayer

The "Book of Common Prayer" connects millions of Christians in the Anglican tradition around the world who share common hopes, needs and joys, and praying the same prayers. The book includes orders of service for Anglican congregations, but many non-Anglican Christians, turn to the book's prayerful personal devotions ("the Daily Office") morning, noon, evening, and night. The book also contains devotions for families and prayers for special needs are also listed.

First published in 1549, the "Book of Common Prayer" is updated periodically, and it now offers prayers in both traditional and contemporary language.

When you need powerful words for that which is wordless within you, the "Book of Common Prayer" is the perfect tool.

Early Light

When you are too busy to open a book, Dr. Charles Stanley's online devotional, "Early Light," provides spiritual study at the touch of your mouse. As part of Dr. Stanley's In Touch Ministry, "Early Light" is a Scripture-intensive devotional that provides passages for contemplation and Scripture intertwined throughout the text in addition to excerpts from his sermons and books. You can even catch up on the days you missed by visiting the "Early Light" online archives.

Those who desire more insight can check out the many resources offered by Dr. Stanley's In Touch Ministries including television broadcasts, radio shows, books, and podcasts.

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