Here are my favorite books of the year:
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship – Jonathan Gibson
I was looking for something to give variety to my personal devotions, and this certainly did it. Each day offers a time of praise, confession, Word, and prayer. There is also a daily reading from a creed and catechism. I appreciated the ability to use it alongside my own Bible reading plan. I worked through its 31 days twice. I am currently working through his Christmas version, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. He has an Easter version, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, which I plan to use this Spring.
In a similar vein, I also appreciated Douglas Sean O’Donnell’s Daily Liturgy Devotional. This one offered daily times (for 40 days) of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Prayer, and the Word. Instead of choosing my own Scripture readings, this option had Scripture readings with a brief commentary built around a weekly theme. I also appreciated the daily hymn.
I also tried Trevin Wax’s Life of Jesus in 30 Days, which worked through the Gospels in a roughly chronological way. There were again times of praise, Scripture, and prayer. In the morning there was a confession of faith, and in the evening a confession of sins – an approach I really liked. But a morning and evening (and midday) time was my downfall. If I could get to that point, I think this would be a good approach. He also has one on the Psalms and Paul’s Epistles.
If you are looking for a change in your daily devotional approach, I recommend trying one of these (but get established in a three times a day rhythm before trying the 30 Days series).
The Language of Rivers and Stars: How Nature Speaks of the Glories of God – Seth Lewis
I’m only about half way through this one, but the first four chapters were an amazing look at how God speaks to us through creation, and its connection to the Word. With his thesis set forth, Lewis then spends the rest of the book working through the days of creation, showing what different parts of creation communicate to us about God.
The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith – Trevin Wax
This was a helpful and enjoyable book on the important of doctrinal truth, and how orthodoxy is better than all the alternatives. If you think creating your own truths is more exciting, read this first. If you know someone deconstructing their faith, this book might help you help them.
Enjoying God: Experience the Power and Love of God in Everyday Life – Tim Chester
The sub-title gives the purpose of the book, as the author looks at various aspects of life and shows how they are opportunities to commune with our Triune God. This is a book I think I need to review and apply further to my life.
Becoming / Making / Completion of C. S. Lewis – Harry Lee Poe
If you really want to know about C. S. Lewis, this trilogy will give you a deep dive into his life year after year. Overall easy to read, but wow, there are a lot of details. Lewis’ love of nature and friendship were both challenging.
You might also be interested in some other favorite books posts:
Tim Challies’ collection of favorite book posts – He also highlights some of the books that appeared repeatedly, including Matthew Bingham’s A Heart Aflame for God – which I hope to read next year.
The Gospel Coalition 2025 Book Awards
Happy reading!
Brian J. Mikul 