Books

My Top 5 Devotionals

The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions Arthur G. Bennett, editor

Some 200 prayers exquisitely edited for rhythm and imagery, then labeled by needs, aspirations, repentance, occasions of the church, time of day, God’s works and attributes—and more.

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Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

An essay a day from the best Christian writers, likely to return to the mind throughout the busiest of pre-Christmas days.

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Devotional Classics: Revised Edition: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, editors

Introduces 52 Christians from two millennia of history, an excerpt of each one’s writing, a related section of Scripture, reflection questions for meditation or discussion, and exercises in spiritual formation—a year of guided growth.

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Prayer Ole Hallesby, translated by Clarence J. Carlsen

If I were to read a single paragraph from this book each day—and only then begin to pray—I would become a better pray-er.

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The NIV Quiet Time Bible Cindy Bunch, editor

Read, study, live out, and pray your way through the entire Bible in two years.

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight is available from ChristianBook.com and other retailers.

Previous Top 5 lists have featured books on how character shapes belief, food, Atheism, China, Presidents, World Christianity, Ancient-Future Faith, the Civil Rights Era, Social Justice, Church History, Popular Culture, the Civil War, Apologetics, Atheism, and Sex.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

The Bulletin

Joe Kent Resigns, Iranian Threats, and a Victory for Parents’ Rights

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Public opinions on the Iran war, homeland security risks, and disagreements about gender transition in the classroom.

Review

What Kids Think About God Matters

Three theology books to read this month.

Urgency Is Not Faithfulness

Thomas Anderson

A church that quickly reacts to every controversy is echoing the culture, not God’s word.

Analysis

Q&A: Why Pakistan and Afghanistan Are Fighting and How Christians There Survive

The Bulletin with Knox Thames

A conversation with human rights lawyer and former diplomat Knox Thames.

Turning ‘a Miracle’ into Long-Haul Help for the Homeless

Taylor Berglund

A North Carolina nonprofit is thinking in decades, not days, about sustainable, affordable housing.

What to Expect at This Year’s Church Conventions

SBC, LCMS, ACNA, CREC, and Global Methodist gatherings in 2026 will weigh issues including abuse investigations and sexual ethics.

Review

‘The Faithful’ Celebrates the Women of the Bible

The first episode—and a set visit in Italy—introduced a me to a thoughtful new drama about multidimensional women in Scripture.

Gospel Matriarch Lucie Campbell Looked To God

Daylan Woodall

Her songs spoke to life’s uncertainties and God’s presence—and taught me how to hope.

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