Looking for a devotional book for the year ahead, but not sure where to start? The beginning of a new year offers the chance to refresh our devotional practices and commit ourselves anew to the pursuit of holiness. But with countless theological works to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to incorporate into our daily meditations. As we head into 2026, we invite you to explore five devotional books featuring the wisdom of John Henry Newman, Fulton Sheen, and others!
Time for God
Do you wish to grow in your prayer life, but feel like you’re constantly encountering obstacles? Time for God was written with you in mind! In this book, Father Jacques Philippe discusses how consistently spending time with God in solitude and silence allows believers to enter into communion with Him, and empowers us to practice holiness. Philippe draws on years of experience as a spiritual guide to illuminate the fundamental principles of mental prayer and describes some common mistakes and misconceptions. With simplicity and clarity, he explains the foundational principles for a healthy prayer life and gives advice for overcoming the various obstacles that can arise with interior prayer.
John Henry Newman: Prayers, Verses, and Devotions
Recently declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV, St. John Henry Newman is recognized as “a towering figure of faith and intellect in modern Catholicism.” This beautifully printed volume contains a compilation of Newman’s most profound devotional writings, including his meditations on the Litany of Loreto and the Stations of the Cross. His selections of prayers, hymns, and verses provide inspiration for personal prayer, and his reflections on Christian doctrine show that the source of true piety is sound teaching.
Included alongside Newman’s writings are the devotions of Lancelot Andrewes, who was a bishop with the Church of England during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. Translated from Greek by Newman himself, these devotions were based on Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers, and significantly contributed to his personal spiritual growth.
A Year with the Church Fathers
Who are the Church Fathers, and what can they teach us? In this devotional, Mike Aquilina, popular author on Patristics, gathers the wisest, most practical teachings and exhortations from the Fathers of the Church, and presents them in a format perfect for daily meditation and inspiration.
Designed to be read over the course of the year, this book contains readings that will lead you on a journey of contemplation, prayer, resolution, and spiritual growth. With Aquilina as your guide, discover how to clear your mind before prayer, learn how to humbly accept correction, be refreshed by the wise counsel of the Church Fathers, and more.
Through the Year with Fulton Sheen
Compiled and edited by Henry Dieterich, this book offers words of encouragement, counsel, and direction for each day of the year. With characteristic insight and eloquence, Sheen gets to the heart of the Christian life with practical reflections on love, holiness, spiritual power, miracles, and living like Christ. These daily selections will provide you with a fresh perspective on what it means to be a follower of Christ, the challenge of serving God, and the blessings of a grace-filled life. Through the Year with Fulton Sheen gives us Sheen at his best – a master storyteller, preacher, and faithful servant of Christ.
Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit
Written by Father Winkler, this 192-page book features minute meditations for every day of the year, each containing a Scripture reading, a reflection, and a prayer. In these short but insightful writings, Father Winkler offers us an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit and apply the fruits of our meditation to our everyday lives.
With its imitation red leather cover and ribbon place-marker, Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit is both beautiful and practical, making it a wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one.
*Book descriptions adapted in part from their respective publishers.
Looking for more book recommendations?
In our previous Basilica Book Club post, we invite you to discover four books with powerful imagery exploring sacred art, architecture, historic artifacts, and more.