Tier Chart: Best Devotional Books for Christians

[@jackson_adams]

Be Thou My Vision by Gibson has been a great addition to my daily reading routine.

[@DanDelzell]

I was going to suggest this as well. It's very well done and includes the creeds.

[@dcbmartin]

same here! just commented the same thing right before i saw yours

[@joshuar1770]

You make some good recommendations here. A.W. Tozer is probably not a favorite in these parts, but I remember reading a devotional consisting of excerpts from his larger works. It played an invaluable role in my devotional time in college. Arminian or not, this man knew God, and his writing was beautiful and concise.

[@philtheo]

As C.S. Lewis pointed out: "I believe that many who find that 'nothing happens' when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand." 😊

[@randyclark6350]

I’ve been reading Tabletalk cover to cover for a number of years. One of the things I like is that it’s ongoing. You don’t reach day 365 and then start over or switch to something different. In 2023 they went through the gospel of Luke and this year it’s in Acts. Weekend devotions are topical and cover both Saturday and Sunday.

[@kpope7007]

I enjoy Joel Beeke’s Family Worship Bible Guide. It has a devotion on every chapter in the bible and questions. It gets you into the word 1 chapter at a time.

[@MarioKushner]

The Book of Common Prayer, The Confessions by Augustine, The Imitation of Christ by á Kempis, The Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan.

[@imjustheretogrill9260]

Pilgrims Progress isn’t great. I would recommend the Little Office of Baltimore.

[@happygirl65]

I also like “Piercing Heaven - Prayers of the Puritans” Robert Elmer is the editor. Authors are listed at the end of each prayer.

[@danielherrmann4477]

Broke my heart seeing Oswald Chambers so low

[@Dave-cf4xq]

I've been thoroughly enjoying Voices From The Past. It definitely needs to be on the list.

[@ThePaulKM]

Completely agree with your tier list. My wife and I go through Morning & Evening per your recommendation actually. And I absolutely love it! Best devotional ever written in my opinion.

[@dianamccay7276]

Thank you, Matthew! I like your choices and agree that the Bible is the best for daily reading! My husband and I are in our 3rd year of reading through the Bible chronologically (currently in Ezekiel). We read together every morning. I’d also like to add a couple of my other favorite devotional book titles. I love Octavius Winslow’s daily devotional “Morning Thoughts, or Daily Walking With God,” and although it’s not really a “devotional” exactly, just a book… Thomas Watson’s “The Godly Man’s Picture” is a fantastic book about growing and walking in godliness. It could be broken into devotional sized readings. It is rich with scripture references and encourages the reader to aspire after godliness… whether used as a devotional or not, it is well worth the read!

[@VickersJon]

A resource missing from the list is the book of common prayer. I do BCP in the morning and evening + WCF or WSC before bed (the exact copy from the video). So good for me. Thanks for the video.

[@woshjales]

Ive started using the 1662 Book of common prayer from one of your other video recommendations. Really enjoying it, the prayers and collects are beautiful.

[@MarshallThurmond]

Thanks for sharing this video. I try to use devotional books as a supplement to scripture reading and to jumpstart prayer. I really like "The Valley of Vision". Another book I use is "Piercing Heaven" edited by Robert Elmer. It is also a book of Putitan prayers but it does show the author of each prayer. Another devotional I just found this year is "Voices from the Past" edited by Richard Rushing. Instead of prayers it contains collections of daily readings by the Puritans. It is both devotional and theological.

[@donaldsproson2494]

Thanks Matthew, a great heart warming video. I use most days Morning and Evenning, Valley of Vision and Spurgeon and the Psalms by Thomas Nelson publishers

[@danieltruesdale6963]

I've always loved Spurgeon's Morning & Evening, but two of my new favorites are Refreshment for the Soul 'Richard Sibbes' & Jewels from John Newton, both from Banner of Truth. My soul is always enriched by reading either of these.

[@Yesica1993]

My Utmost for His Highest - Awwww! I had to see if I still had my copy. I found it! It's from 1987. Wow, I haven't read it in years. Had to wipe off the dust. I don't know how I'd think of it these days. But I remember it meant a lot to me when I first got saved.

[@stevewilliams4037]

In addition to “Tabletalk” I’ve been using the daily readings from William Gurnall’s “The Christian in Complete Armour.” It’s a compilation of daily reading from his 3-volume exposition of Ephesians 6.

[@NESHYBeast]

This is a fantastic video, thank you! Love that the Confessions are second only to Scripture itself

[@tammyabel6281]

Just bought 'Glorifying and Enjoying God.' Looking forward to the Sunday School class! 😊♥️

[@JosiahR1]

I was looking for a new devotional. I decided to get the Family Worship Bible Guide to use alongside my Bible as a devotional (the bonus being I can use it with my family)

[@padraicsim6064]

One of the best and least talked about is Be Thou My Vision. Goes through the regulative principle of worship but in a shorter period of time

[@frankrecinos7158]

Ive been reading Faiths Checkbook this year. Theres been readings that have made me think very deeply. Also, the new city catechism is good for devotional reading as well as the devotional that they released to go with it.

[@fnds64]

Great selection. Thanks for sharing them. These are less known but good as well: - Voices from the Past by Banner of Truth - The Believer's Daily Remembrancer by Rev. James Smith

[@enriquemata8558]

I find the S tier best. The devotional books never really interested me. When my kids were little, our family devotions consisted of reading the Bible, prayer and the reading of a biography of men and women from church history.

[@psalm1197]

Same! As I child, I remember we went through the missionaries at some point. Hudson Taylor was my favourite.

[@jnkelley42]

I'm currently working thru the Bible with the Bible in a Year podcast. Discovering that I can listen to the Bible has been a game changer. It works so much better for my learning style. For the 1st time I have stuck with it and am making real progress. Plus, The BIAY podcast has a reading plan that put things in a chronological order with some context from a Priest. Right now we are in the Babylonian exile period.

[@victoryak86]

Morning and Evening and “Faiths Checkbook” by Spurgeon has brought me the most blessing and encouragement of all devotional books in my Christian life. I do have to say this was an excellent list and agree with most of what was said. Utmost for His Highest used to be very popular and it was found in many homes but its theology seems to be based on a higher life teaching, though there is some very good parts.

[@Steve-wg3cr]

Thanks for the recommendations on Christian devotional books, Pastor Matt. A few thoughts. For me a good devotional must be biblically and theologically sound but also contain practical application which, for me, is the purpose of a devotional. I'm not wanting to just learn theological facts but something I can apply to my life. A catechism or denominational confession is not something I would normally use for a devotion time. Not to say they can't or shouldn't be used but just that it's not what I'm looking for in a devotional reading. Most of the books you listed I've never used so couldn't comment on them. I would rate Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" much higher than you did. To me it's by far the best devotional I've ever used. It always provides a challenging practical teaching which is what I'm looking primarily in a devotional. I haven't used Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" much but have seen it and read parts. I found it similar to the Chambers' devotional but still like Chambers more. It's true that "Our Daily Bread" is a bit simple in terms of theological depth but in our church we work with a lot of people who have lower educational levels, youth, kids, and others for whom English is not their first language. I find the Daily Bread as very appropriate for people like that. And I think we also need to guard against an elitist approach. Even though I have a graduate degree I can find the Daily Bread helpful. As others have mentioned, The Book of Common Prayer is an excellent devotional resource, one which I've begun using more extensively. Of course, that's a different thing with a different purpose than the devotional books you listed.

[@preachtheword1689]

Valley of vision, the words used by the puritans really hits different. Makes you worship God or to abhor or grieve over your sins. Try it.

[@TheOutlawExpositor]

I also love the Valley of Vision and Morning & Evening. Another recommendation is "Piercing Heaven" - Editor Robert Elmer. This is also a collection of puritan prayers, but does include the author's name. Appreciate your content Dr. Everhard.

[@bretjohnston9519]

Great video! My wife and I have begun using the Family Worship Bible Guide by: Joel Beeke. It takes you through the Bible a chapter at a time. We have been enjoying it! You are spot on with Jesus Calling and the like (horrible stuff.) You worried me a little with that Spurgeon book on the “C” tier, glad you clarified haha! I’ll check out your devotional book on the catechisms, sounds really good. I appreciate the recommendations. God bless!

[@Pacemasterx]

JC Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels

[@anthonyg5055]

I really appreciate this video. I bought holding fast the Faith over a month ago and have not picked it up in over three weeks. Reading has never been something that I enjoy. I do a lot of audible, including listening to the Bible. I need to do a better job of reading just a little bit every day.

[@sylviaharris159]

Drawing Near by MacArthur has taught me a lot of the foundational doctrines of Scripture and is all explanation/theological/devotional! It has prayers prompts for application at the bottom and further Study passages from Scripture! It’s my favorite because it of those reasons!

[@jillstewart7355]

Thank you!

[@benjamindemornay1444]

Mccheyne bible plan: 4 chapters by day : the bible in 1 year Morning by morning by Spurgeon I have a daily summary in French of Spurgeon : tresury of David ... On my phone every day morning by morning and chequebook of the bank of faith Devotion needs knowledge John 17 :3 Thank you for the video

[@dietschegroosmame3596]

Awesome picks.

[@SAY.8.18]

Morning and Evening by Spurgeon and Voices from the Past, a collection of Puritan devotions

[@jeffs744]

I've read both of those (including both volumes of Voices from the Past). In my humble opinion, they are excellent.

[@SAY.8.18]

@jeffs744 I agree. I'm in the process of trying to write my own set of devotional prayers for my grandchildren based on both volumes of the Voices From the Past devotions. It's going to take a few years.

[@raymondhess1711]

I’ve enjoyed reading both volumes of Alistair Begg’s devotionals.

[@ASPIRITMAN]

Great information! Do you have a link for the TableTalk devotional that you are speaking about? Thanks

[@darrylwine2074]

I share your critique of the VotV. The prayers are great but it has always bothered me that they are anonymous. Very helpful video!

[@mrparam918]

Would you consider the Book of Common Prayer as a devotional book?

[@christianbrennan8291]

I enjoyed your video Matt. You gave some good suggestions. I have used Spurgeons’s Morning and Evening in the past. I am currently using Sidlow Baxter’s Awake My Heart which is excellent and in depth. I thought you might have included it.

[@dcbmartin]

Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson was one of the greatest supplements in my devotions.

[@roddumlauf9241]

The Book of Common Prayer, and it's lectionary.

[@srice6231]

I like to use. "The Valley of Vision" as a piece of my devotion. I like to read one at the beginning but not the only thing for my devotion.

[@Cjinglaterra]

If you have the time you’d be hard pressed to find anything better than the Daily Office as found in the Book of Common Prayer.

[@mynameismudd5054]

Morning and Evening. Spurgeon

[@JohnCornelius-w5k]

Going through Morning and Evening Devotional by David Jeremiah.

[@jeffdobbins2147]

Great video! Matthew, have you ever done a video specifically expounding on 1 Corinthians 14? If not, would you? Pentecostal/Charismatics use this chapter to “prove” there are different types of tongues, including a personal prayer language. I am now a cessessationist who was in that movement for 60 years and could use the help in speaking to others about why there is not two or more types of tongues in the scriptures. Thanks for all you do!

[@carbonbiker]

I’ve subscribed to the monthly Tabletalk for 15+ years. It’s outstanding, and the subscription helps Ligonier Ministries which has incredible Reformed teaching resources.

[@josecortez9533]

“Be thou my vision” by Johnthan Gibson is a combo of all these it’s top tier ! Then I would say the daily office as well in the Anglican tradition

[@craigbloom141]

Daily Light on the Daily Path…nothing but Scripture arranged to make you think about what the common element is for all

[@jeffs744]

I am currently reading a chronological Bible (ESV) as I have never read the Bible in that order (although I have read the Bible cover to cover several times in the past. I also read the current month's Tabletalk Magazine and Richard Sibbes' "Refreshment for the Soul" each morning. It takes a while, but I have the time most mornings. I don't find fault with your hierarchy of books and would probably score them similarly. I read "Morning and Evening" years ago. Maybe I'll read it again next year when my current reading plan is accomplished. Alistair Begg did an update not too long ago. I have to agree with you, nothing beats reading the Bible itself each morning.

[@Yesica1993]

@jeffs744 "I am currently reading a chronological Bible (ESV) as I have never read the Bible in that order (although I have read the Bible cover to cover several times in the past." I am doing the same! I finished the NT and am getting into the OT. Just finished Job and now it's back into Exodus 9. I look forward to getting to Kings & Chronicles and the minor prophets. Those events/timelines have always confused me. I think some of the Psalms are also placed within the timeline of the events they are describing. (The ones that have those types of notes.) That will be helpful. It's definitely been a bit jarring. But that's good. It makes you pay more attention to things you've read before, but not in that order.

[@dkeeks]

Tabletalk comes out monthly, it's really good. My wife and I love it!

[@nicorossiter]

Has anyone any thoughts on the devotional by Smith Wigglesworth?

[@forrestlong9603]

Thanks for sharing such a great list, especially the upper levels. I like to move around from year to year. This year along with my daily reading through Scripture I am reading "Refreshment for the Soul " by Richard Sibbes- excellent; and "Piercing Heaven ",prayers of the Puritans, which does have the author of each prayer at the end of the prayer.

[@macsprinter]

Glad you mentioned Sibbes. It's a wonderful devotional. The others as well.

[@AandN2025]

There's only 3 I use, bible, confessions and catechisms, Valley of vision and sometimes Spurgeons morning and evening

[@cjcoffman8682]

‘Bible Pathway’ takes the reader through the Bible in a year. I used it for several years via subscription. It is now available online for free as well. Moody Bible Institute also has a free online devotional which works through a Bible book per month, written by professors of the school. Not of the Reformed tradition, but good resource nonetheless. ‘Morning Thoughts’ by Octavius Winslow is one of my favorites.

[@robinparsons6743]

I'm spending this year in the psalms with d ortlund book..in the Lord I take refuge...

[@gardyloogubbins]

Trevin Wax's praying through in 30 days series gets a recommendation from me

[@stephencartledge8622]

JC Ryle Daily readings. Taken from his expository thoughts books.

[@carbonbiker]

Thanks for another great video, Pastor. Curious where you would rank the “Today” devotional magazine from ReFrame Ministries. It’s handed out at my CRCNA church.

[@SilentEcho4178]

Any thoughts on “New Morning Mercies”? It’s been pretty popular at my church.

[@steverobinson2501]

I use Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson. This is a liturgy devotion that includes scripture, creeds and catechisms, its like private church. I also use Psalms in 30 Days, this is done at morning, mid day and evening. I also use proverbs and the Valley of Vison. I think you did an accurate job on what you presented.

[@Mrsadams1]

I'm a little surprised you didn't include anything by Billy Graham. Did I miss it?

[@PaulMattoon-d2c]

Can’t go wrong with the Bible and Confessions.

[@kirkmessick1727]

Saving Grace by C John Miller is my all time favorite.

[@justinserna286]

What would you rate the book, For the Love of God by D. A. Carson, if you have ever heard or read some of it?

[@birdieroo3115]

Where is Paul David Tripp? New Morning Mercies is great.

[@wtsreads]

I admit I didn't listen to every word so I apologize if you mentioned this. New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp has sold over 1 million copies, one of the most widely used devotionals by evangelicals today. Personally I tend not to use devotionals so I don't know about the quality, but I'm shocked it didn't make the tier list.

[@pierrewedepohl1705]

I agree that reading the Bible is the best but sometimes another devotional can help us be regular and systematic in our reading of the Bible. Matthew do you know the Explore Devotional published quarterly by the Good Book Company in the UK? If you do know it what do you think of it? I have used it for a number of years with great profit. The contributors are all Evangelical and most are Reformed. Mostly the contributors are a mix of Anglicans, Presbyterians and Baptists. Also any thoughts on J C Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels?

[@josiahsmucker8989]

What is your opinion on the Heidelberg catechism as a devotional?

[@thebeggarfromthedunghill]

I highly recommend "Through Baca's Vale; or, Daily Words for Zion's Wayfarers" by J.C. Philpot.

[@zachm4438]

Dane Ortlund wrote a Psalms devotional that is pretty good

[@JakeSGray]

I agree with your ranking, though I would probably move Jesus Calling up one tier-only because it does give multiple scripture references on each page, so for anyone just picking it up at walmart or whatever, they are at the very least directed to the Scriptures on each page. I would probably move VoV up one tier as well, and I would add some: both of Alistair Begg’s Truth for Life Devotional books probably in C or B. I would add Paul Tripp’s New Morning Mercies in B or A, and I would put Be Thou my Vision in B or A as well 😁

[@tomhanrahan4157]

AMEN to the Bible being the only Superior devotional! Now, for some critique; while working through a church confessional is a needful thing, I would suggest it is more designed for a classroom or home group or some other venue. I can use a "devotional for inspirational reading at times, and thus a nice story where the Scripture is applied (as in ODB) cna be meaningful (better than D tier!) as long a it SUPPLEMNTS, nor REPLACES, my time in the word and in prayer.

[@PetiteFlower333]

Tabletalk is very good and comes out monthly. Most recently it has been covering the book of Acts. Hold Fast the Faith is free right now if you have Kindle Unlimited!

[@Kenny_Doyle]

Haha well I’m glad to know that I’ve already been using S and A tier as my devotionals!

[@danbrown586]

Other good commentaries or study guides on the WCF would include Williamson (a classic) and Sproul's _Truths We Confess._

[@HumbleRustic]

You’ve missed out on ones that are superior to all that you have mentioned, except the Bible: it’s Voices from the Past volumes one and two by Banner of Truth. They are selected Puritan devotional,it is the BEST. There is also Day by Day, it is devotional selections from JC Ryles commentaries on the gospels.

[@15RunAway]

Octavious Winslow - Morning Thoughts, and his Evening Thoughts.. Would love to know your thoughts on him...

[@craig3540]

The Bible (obviously) in addition Valley of Vision, Heidelberg and Westminster Catechisms

[@csg9095]

Would you rank study bibles for women? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on some of the more popular ones.

[@Yesica1993]

Why do we need separate study Bibles for women? (Or men, for that matter?) The Bible is the Bible. It applies to everyone.

[@csg9095]

@@Yesica1993 I don’t think we need separate ones for women, but there are several out there and I wanted to ask for his opinion.

[@Yesica1993]

@@csg9095 It was just an observation. That's all.

[@rainmanbk1]

What about Rosaria’s favorite, “Voices from the Past”? Only a single verse each day. But I really enjoy the puritan writers.

[@j.m.o.5761]

Hey Matt (or anyone else out there), is there an edition of the collected Westminster standards that has the scripture proofs printed in the ESV or NASB? Any version I have seen from the OPC or PCA, has the scriptures in the KJV. Which is fine, just would prefer it in the same version or text I normally read from. Thanks.

[@moments_peace]

Agree!

[@The150Psalms]

Awesome :)

[@kevinerose]

5:45 Even as an untrained person, I find Our Daily Bread to be very liberal and I cringe when I see these displayed at churches. I wouldn't advise this to anyone who doesn't have a firm understanding of scripture. Although it is liberal leaning, it does not give off the liberal agenda feel to me but I will keep this one as "Suspect" and not advise it to anyone. Edit** One thing I may add to my views on devotionals and books (other than the Bible) is to not to fall in love with one. The first good one you get you will want to fall in love with that and forsake all others. Don't do that. and Don't worry you will find more that are as good or even better. When you find a good one, the next good place to search is in the bibliography. In the book you like, you will more than likely find references to good material from where this book was based. Look for other authors that your author likes. From those books you can find more bibliographies. It is like a treasure map to finding good materials. Edit2** Okay, just to be clear, I am not fond of the daily devotional books. I can see how they are great reminders for everyone to read but I do not need that for myself. The main reason is I always get behind in days and then have the pressing need of trying to "catch up" to current days by having to read 7 or 14 in one sitting. No, for me, I like my devotional to be a "topical" book which has no strict schedule. I always read every night so I really do not need a schedule. One month I might want to read about how to be a good Sunday School Teacher. The next month, I might want to read about Church Planting. Another month, about Baptism. Another about Worship. Prayer. Musical Influences in the Church. And suddenly there is 6 months worth of reading or more. Edit3** Okay third edit. Question for anyone. Are these Daily Devotionals something short and quick you would read in the morning when getting up for the day? I'm not sure exactly what are meant by these or when they should be done. Maybe someone can help. I did a quick search online if anyone wonders. Why do people use them and how do people use them? I've been a Christian for 40 years and I do see them around but nobody ever talks about them and/or admits to reading them.

[@Creationhorse]

I like Spurgeon, Valley of Vision, and Tabletalk. But I'd rather read my bible. Psalms and Proverbs are great for short devotions times.

[@DrGero15]

What about Daily Light?

[@walterwillis6731]

Check out Explore put out by the Good Book Company - currently working through Romans with Tim Keller and Thessalonians with Lig Duncan

[@shawngillogly6873]

How can you be so mean to Our Daily Crumbs? Also S tier: Reformed Heritage Study Bible questions. And yeah, VoV is A at least. Also on A Tier, D.A. Carson's For the Love of God devotionals. It's Carson, you know it'll be exegetically superior and challenging.

[@joycejarrard6958]

I read through both those D.A. Carson daily devotionals and followed the M'Cheyne reading plan for 2 years. Now I have started Dr. Grant Horner's ambitious 10 chapter a day bible reading plan. I recently bought "The Valley of Vision." On the other hand, I have devotionals from the low rated tiers. I have known some baby Christians use them as a starting place in their study. I do think Joyce Meyer is more solid biblically than Joel Osteen, (shudder.)

[@Theologification]

Wow My Utmost for His Highest is actually an incredible devotion… the Reformed biases is pretty blatant here. Oswald Chambers isn’t even remotely on the same level as Our Daily Bread.

[@DTH1661]

Thank you for your recommendations. Thank the Most HighI this is only your fallen unbiblical reformed opinion!!!

[@benjamindemornay1444]

I forget a good book: songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller ❤

[@kennethchipchase8804]

Feel like I just got the world's biggest Jesus Juke when you got to the S tier... 😆 Have you ever read Joel Beeke's "Family Worship Bible Guide"?

[@tjblanchard]

I think ranking VoV that low is wild.

[@macsprinter]

I feel this sampling was way too small. I have "Voices of the Past" (Banner), Sibbes' "Refreshment for the Soul" and a bunch of others I swap around.

[@recoveredcalvinist]

The Valley of Vision at a “C”, A Reformed pastor dissing the Puritans, truly amazing! Of course you placed too much emphasis on the Westminster Standards, how could you not? They are in your DNA! I’ve spent almost 10 years trying to remove them from my DNA. Micah 6:8!