Every new year carries a quiet question in its opening days: Who will I become by the end of this year?
Not just what will we achieve—but what will shape us?
For Christians, spiritual formation rarely happens through sudden breakthroughs. It happens through daily exposure to God’s Word. Through quiet mornings. Through consistent habits. Through devotionals that don’t replace Scripture—but guide us back to it again and again.
The truth is simple: what you read daily shapes how you think, how you pray, and how you live. And in a noisy, distracted world, choosing the right devotional for 2026 is more important than ever.
Below is a carefully curated list of the Top 10 devotionals for 2026—each chosen for biblical depth, accessibility, longevity, and spiritual impact. Whether you are a new believer, a seasoned Christian, a parent, a spouse, or a teen, one of these devotionals can become a defining companion in your walk with God this year.
1. The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women
This devotional has earned its place as a modern staple for Christian women—and not because it is trendy, but because it is faithful.
Many women genuinely desire to read the Bible cover to cover but struggle with time, consistency, or feeling overwhelmed. The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women meets that struggle with wisdom and grace. Instead of demanding perfection, it invites faithfulness.
By organizing Scripture into weekly themes—such as perseverance, forgiveness, identity, and renewal—it helps women see how God’s Word speaks directly into everyday life. The flexibility to use any Bible translation removes a major barrier, while journaling prompts and prayers encourage reflection rather than rushed reading.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because sustained Bible engagement changes everything. This book doesn’t rush you through Scripture—it teaches you how to walk with it. If you want 2026 to be the year God’s Word becomes part of your rhythm rather than your resolution, this devotional is an excellent place to start.
2. New Morning Mercies – Paul David Tripp
Few devotionals confront the heart with as much honesty—and hope—as New Morning Mercies. Paul David Tripp understands something crucial: Christians don’t need shallow encouragement; they need the gospel applied daily.
Each devotion begins with a single, piercing truth and unfolds into a gospel-centered meditation that redirects the heart from self-reliance to God-dependence. Tripp focuses less on behavior modification and more on heart transformation, reminding readers that grace is not a one-time event—it is daily mercy.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because every day brings spiritual amnesia. We forget who God is and who we are in Him. This devotional re-centers your heart every morning, grounding you in grace before life’s pressures take over. If you want a devotional that challenges, comforts, and anchors you in Christ, this one is indispensable.
3. The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men – Josh Laxton
Christian men often carry deep responsibility with little spiritual margin. This devotional respects that reality while still calling men higher.
Designed with a realistic daily reading time, The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men offers structure without rigidity. Its weekly studies speak directly into real-world issues—leadership, integrity, work, family, health, and faith under pressure.
The tone is practical without being shallow and biblical without being abstract.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because godly leadership begins with daily submission to God’s Word. This devotional helps men become consistent—not perfect. It’s especially powerful for men who want spiritual depth without complexity and Scripture engagement without guilt.
4. Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
This is not a comfortable book—and that’s exactly why it’s necessary.
In Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper confronts the quiet danger of living a safe, self-centered Christian life that never truly counts for eternity. Rooted in Jesus’ words, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it,” Piper calls believers to reject trivial pursuits and embrace a God-exalting purpose.
Rather than measuring success by comfort or achievement, Piper urges readers to live for God’s glory—even when it costs. With Scripture, real-life stories, and piercing clarity, he exposes how easily faith can drift into convenience instead of devotion.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because it realigns your priorities.
Because comfort is a poor substitute for calling.
Because eternity is too important to live casually.
This bestselling book is especially impactful for students, leaders, and anyone asking what it truly means to live a life that matters for God.
5. God’s Purpose for Your Life – Charles F. Stanley
Few voices in modern Christianity speak with the pastoral clarity of Dr. Charles Stanley. This devotional gently answers one of the most common Christian questions: “Am I really living in God’s will?”
Each devotion includes Scripture, thoughtful application, and prayer—making it deeply accessible without sacrificing theological depth. Stanley emphasizes trust, obedience, and confidence in God’s sovereignty.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because uncertainty is inevitable—but God’s purpose is not. Whether you are in a season of transition, waiting, or renewal, this devotional offers steady reassurance that God’s plan is both intentional and good.
6. The Bible Recap Study Guide – Tara-Leigh Cobble
Many Christians read the Bible regularly but struggle to understand how it all fits together. The Bible Recap solves that problem brilliantly.
Following a chronological reading plan, this study guide asks thoughtful questions that help readers see the big picture of Scripture—God’s character, His redemptive plan, and His faithfulness across history.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because understanding fuels devotion. This guide doesn’t just help you read the Bible—it helps you know the God of the Bible. Ideal for those who want clarity, structure, and deeper comprehension.
7. Mr. & Mrs. 366 Devotions for Couples – Rob & Joanna Teigen
Strong marriages don’t drift into spiritual intimacy—they choose it.
This devotional is beautifully designed and intentionally practical, offering short daily readings that couples can realistically commit to. Scripture, reflection, and prayer work together to foster unity, communication, and shared faith.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because praying together changes everything. Whether newly married or decades in, this devotional helps couples grow not only closer to each other—but closer to God.
8. New Morning Mercies for Teens – Paul David Tripp
Teenagers today face spiritual battles that are complex, loud, and relentless. This devotional meets them with truth, grace, and clarity.
Adapted from the bestselling New Morning Mercies, it speaks directly into teen struggles—identity, anxiety, temptation, social media, and faith—without condescension or compromise.
Why you should read it in 2026 (or give it):
Because teenagers need the gospel, not just rules. This devotional helps young believers encounter Jesus personally and consistently, laying a foundation for lifelong faith.
9. God Is With You Every Day – Max Lucado
Max Lucado’s gift has always been reassurance rooted in Scripture. This devotional is a gentle companion for those walking through uncertainty, grief, or loneliness.
With weekly prayers and daily reflections, it reminds readers of one unchanging truth: God is present.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because life will bring hard days. This devotional doesn’t deny pain—it meets it with hope. Perfect for those who need comfort without clichés.
10. Streams in the Desert – L. B. E. Cowman
Few devotionals have stood the test of time like Streams in the Desert. Born out of suffering, it speaks profoundly to those walking through trials.
Each reading draws from Scripture and testimonies of faith refined through hardship, reminding readers that God often does His deepest work in seasons of waiting.
Why you should read it in 2026:
Because suffering is not wasted. This devotional offers living water to weary souls and timeless reminders of God’s faithfulness.
Final Encouragement for 2026
You don’t need more content—you need consistency.
You don’t need perfection—you need presence.
And you don’t need to read everything—you need to read faithfully.
The devotional you choose for 2026 will quietly shape your prayers, your mindset, and your trust in God. Choose one that leads you back to Scripture. Choose one that draws your heart toward God—not just toward inspiration.
And as you turn each page this year, may you discover again that God is still speaking, still guiding, and still faithful—every single day.
You may also want to check out my other book lists: