Helping our children grow in their faith is one of the most rewarding journeys we can embark on as parents or guardians. In today’s busy world, finding consistent moments for spiritual reflection can be a challenge, but a good devotional can make all the difference. It provides a dedicated space and time for kids to connect with God, understand His word, and build a strong foundation of faith.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best devotional for kids? We know it can feel overwhelming! That’s why we’ve scoured the shelves (and online stores) to bring you a curated list of top-notch children’s devotionals designed to engage young hearts and minds. Whether your child is just starting their faith journey or looking for deeper insights, you’re sure to find something special here.
What Makes a Great Devotional for Kids?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s quickly chat about what makes a children’s devotional truly stand out:
- Age-Appropriate Content: Stories and lessons that resonate with their developmental stage.
- Engaging Format: Colorful illustrations, interactive elements, or relatable scenarios keep them hooked.
- Biblical Foundation: Clearly rooted in Scripture, helping them understand God’s truth.
- Practical Application: Encourages kids to live out their faith in daily life.
- Consistency: A structure that supports regular engagement, whether daily or weekly.
Ready to discover the perfect spiritual companion for your little one? Let’s dive into our picks for the best devotional for kids!
The 5 Best Devotionals for Kids
1. Our Daily Bread for Kids: 365 Meaningful Moments with God
Our Daily Bread for Kids continues the beloved tradition of the adult devotional, tailored specifically for younger audiences. This book offers 365 bite-sized devotions that are perfect for beginning or ending each day with a spiritual thought. Each reading is packed with relatable stories, easy-to-understand messages, and clear connections to Scripture, making complex biblical truths accessible and engaging for children. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a consistent routine of spending time with God.
Key Features:
- 365 daily devotions.
- Relatable stories and real-life examples.
- Scripture references for deeper learning.
- Discussion questions to encourage family interaction.
- Colorful and appealing illustrations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive for a full year of reflection.
- Simplifies biblical concepts effectively.
- Encourages thoughtful discussion within families.
- Excellent for building a daily habit of devotion.
Cons:
- Some stories might feel too brief for older children seeking more depth.
- The tone might be more straightforward than highly imaginative.
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise this devotional for its accessibility and how easily their kids connect with the stories. Many appreciate the discussion questions that spark meaningful conversations at the dinner table or bedtime. It’s often cited as a reliable resource for children’s spiritual growth.
2. Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids
Inspired by the immensely popular Jesus Calling for adults, this children’s version offers a unique approach: each devotion is written from Jesus’ perspective, as if He is speaking directly to your child. This intimate style creates a deeply personal connection, helping children feel loved, understood, and guided by Jesus Himself. It’s perfect for nurturing a close relationship with Christ and hearing His comforting voice.
Key Features:
- 365 daily devotions written in “Jesus’ voice.”
- Each entry includes relevant Bible verses.
- Focuses on themes of love, comfort, and assurance.
- Gentle and encouraging language.
- Includes a full year of readings.
Pros:
- Fosters a deeply personal and intimate connection with Jesus.
- Offers comfort and reassurance to young hearts.
- Easy-to-understand language makes it suitable for various ages.
- Beautifully complements the adult version for shared family devotion time.
Cons:
- Some prefer direct Scripture study over interpreted “words of Jesus.”
- The format can feel repetitive to some children over a long period.
User Impressions: This devotional consistently receives high praise for its comforting tone and its ability to help children feel personally connected to Jesus. Many parents share how their children eagerly look forward to reading what “Jesus has to say” to them each day, making it a powerful tool for building their faith journey.
3. The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids
Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life changed millions of adult lives, and now its profound message has been beautifully adapted for children. This devotional helps kids understand that they were created for a purpose, teaching them about God’s five purposes for their lives: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. It’s a fantastic resource for older children grappling with identity and meaning, providing clear, age-appropriate guidance on finding their place in God’s grand plan.
Key Features:
- Daily readings based on the themes of The Purpose Driven Life.
- Age-appropriate explanations of God’s purposes.
- Scripture references included with each devotion.
- Thought-provoking questions for personal reflection.
- Encourages kids to understand their unique value to God.
Pros:
- Teaches profound biblical concepts in a child-friendly way.
- Empowers children to understand their purpose and value.
- Excellent for pre-teens and early adolescents seeking direction.
- Promotes self-reflection and spiritual maturity.
Cons:
- Might be too complex for very young children (best for 8+).
- Some themes may require parental guidance or discussion.
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight how this book helps older kids and pre-teens grasp significant spiritual truths about their identity and purpose. Parents love that it introduces deep theological concepts without being overwhelming, leading to meaningful conversations about God’s plan for their children’s lives.
4. The Illustrated Devotional For Girls 366 Days of Creative…
Designed specifically for girls, this vibrant devotional offers 366 days of creative inspiration alongside spiritual encouragement. Beyond just reading, it invites girls to engage with God’s Word through drawing, journaling, and other artistic expressions. Each devotion combines relatable scenarios with Scripture, helping girls navigate common challenges like self-esteem, friendships, and faith, all while fostering their creativity and personal connection with God.
Key Features:
- 366 daily devotions with a focus on girls’ lives.
- Includes creative prompts for drawing, journaling, or reflection.
- Encourages personal expression and interaction with the text.
- Addresses topics relevant to young girls (e.g., identity, friendships, courage).
- Beautiful illustrations and an engaging layout.
Pros:
- Highly engaging for creative and artistic girls.
- Builds self-esteem and confidence rooted in faith.
- Offers a fun, interactive way to engage with Scripture.
- Helps girls connect faith to their daily lives and challenges.
Cons:
- Gender-specific, so not suitable for boys.
- Might be less appealing to girls who prefer less interactive reading.
User Impressions: This devotional is a huge hit with girls who love to draw and journal. Parents report that their daughters are far more engaged with their faith thanks to the creative outlets provided. It’s frequently praised for its ability to make spiritual growth feel fun and personal, helping girls navigate their world with God’s guidance.
5. Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science…
Authored by popular pastor and speaker Louie Giglio, Indescribable is a phenomenal devotional that connects the wonders of science with the majesty of God. Perfect for curious kids, it features 100 devotions that explore everything from animals and space to the human body and natural phenomena, all while pointing back to the incredible Creator. It’s an inspiring way to help children see God’s hand in every aspect of the universe, fostering awe and wonder.
Key Features:
- 100 science-themed devotions.
- Combines scientific facts with biblical truths.
- Stunning photography and illustrations enhance the learning.
- Explores a wide range of scientific topics (cosmos, animals, earth).
- Helps children understand God as the ultimate Creator.
Pros:
- Unique approach blending science and faith, perfect for curious minds.
- Fosters a sense of awe and wonder about God’s creation.
- Highly engaging with fascinating facts and visuals.
- Excellent for children who love to learn about the world around them.
Cons:
- Only 100 devotions (not a full year).
- The science focus might be less appealing to children looking for traditional Bible stories.
User Impressions: This devotional is a runaway favorite for kids who are fascinated by how the world works. Parents rave about how it captures their children’s imagination, making them eager to learn both scientific facts and spiritual truths. It’s often described as an eye-opening experience that deepens appreciation for God’s incredible design.
Choosing the Right Devotional for Your Child
When picking the best devotional for kids, remember that every child is unique!
- Consider their age: Younger children need simpler language and more illustrations, while older kids might appreciate deeper reflection and more complex topics.
- Think about their interests: Is your child curious about science? Do they love to draw? Are they asking big questions about life’s purpose? Matching a devotional to their passions can significantly boost engagement.
- Reflect on your goals: Are you aiming for daily habit formation, deeper biblical understanding, or fostering a personal relationship with Jesus?
- Read reviews together: Sometimes, letting your child browse descriptions or sample pages can help them feel ownership in the choice!
No matter which one you choose, the goal is to make time with God an enjoyable and meaningful part of their day.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is a devotional for kids?
A1: A devotional for kids is a book or resource designed to help children connect with God daily or regularly. It typically includes short readings, Scripture verses, stories, reflections, and sometimes activities or questions tailored to their age group, making biblical truths understandable and applicable to their lives.
Q2: Why is it important for my child to use a devotional?
A2: Using a devotional helps children build a consistent habit of spending time with God, understand His Word, and develop a personal faith. It provides guidance on real-life issues from a biblical perspective, fosters spiritual growth, and helps them feel loved and secure in their relationship with God.
Q3: What age range are these devotionals suitable for?
A3: The devotionals listed here generally cater to children aged 4-12, with some being better suited for younger kids (e.g., Our Daily Bread for Kids, Jesus Calling) and others for older ones or pre-teens (e.g., The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids, Indescribable). Always check the publisher’s recommended age range and preview the content to ensure it’s a good fit for your child’s developmental stage.
Q4: Should I read the devotional with my child, or should they read it alone?
A4: Both approaches can be beneficial! For younger children, reading together creates a wonderful bonding experience and allows you to explain concepts and answer questions. Older children might enjoy independent reading, but discussing the day’s devotion afterward can deepen their understanding and encourage open communication about their faith.
Q5: How can I make reading a devotional a consistent habit for my child?
A5: Consistency is key! Try to pick a regular time each day (e.g., morning, bedtime, or during breakfast). Make it a special, no-pressure time. Keep the devotional in an easily accessible spot. Most importantly, model the behavior yourself – let them see you spending time in devotion too! Short, engaging sessions are better than long, forced ones.
Q6: Are there any devotionals specifically for boys or girls?
A6: Yes! While many devotionals are gender-neutral, some, like The Illustrated Devotional For Girls, are specifically tailored to address the unique experiences and interests of a particular gender. These can be great for helping children feel seen and understood in their faith journey.
Q7: Can these devotionals replace regular Bible reading?
A7: Devotionals are wonderful companions to Bible reading, but they don’t typically replace it entirely. They often highlight specific verses or themes from the Bible, providing context and application. Encourage your child to use their devotional alongside reading directly from the Bible (perhaps a children’s Bible) to get the full richness of Scripture.