The President's Devotional: The Daily Readings That Inspired President Obama

by Joshua DuBois

The President's Devotional offers daily words that have inspired President Barack Obama, collected by his "Pastor-in-Chief" (Time), Joshua DuBois.“Whatever else history records of Obama’s years in the White House, it must include that this president was offered a type of spiritual nurture unique among America’s chief executives?customized devotionals delivered daily. Thanks to DuBois, we too can be instructed and inspired by words intended to sustain a president.” —New York Times–bestselling author Stephen Mansfield Every day, Joshua DuBois—President Obama’s spiritual advisor who also served as the executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships—provided the Commander-in-Chief with a morning devotional weaving together scripture, song, prayer, and reflections, motivated by the spirit of God and infused with joyful flair. The President’s Devotional contains the best of these devotionals, daily spiritual guidance that offer peace, comfort, and inspiration throughout the entire year.“It’s absolutely essential all leaders receive daily direction, spiritual guidance, and soul-nourishing input from God’s Word. Having served at the center of American government, Joshua understands better than many how draining leadership can be, and how we must refresh ourselves daily through time with God, thinking about eternal truths.” —#1 New York Times–bestselling author Rick Warren“So many believers seek scriptural, experienced guidance on how to navigate the tensions and challenges of living a public life aligned with their personal faith. The President’s Devotional is a uniquely valuable resource to help every person live a life that glorifies Christ and serves their neighbor.” —Mark Batterson, Pastor, National Community Church and New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Devotional, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Inspirational, Christianity

706 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2013

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't actually read all 365 daily devotions, but I have read the intro. to each month in which Joshua DuBois relates a story from his political career and how it changed him. DuBois started working for Senator Obama and later became head of his White House faith-based office. He sent daily devotional thoughts via e-mail to the Senator, then President, for years and has compiled the best in this book. The monthly vignettes satisified my political junkie nature, but more importantly they glorify God over politics. I'm usually a stickler for reading a daily devotional "daily," but I've already read through January, given the book to a friend, and will be purchasing another copy for myself.

In the words of my 91 year old, evangelical Christian, life-long Democratic grandmother, the monthly introductions are "comforting."

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started a few days late, but this is the first daily devotional I’ve ever read from beginning to end over a year. Aside from the title, preface, and a few notes throughout the book, you would never know that this was associated with Obama or the office of the President. But what an inspiration these vignettes must have been to the President when he received them on his phone every day from Joshua DuBois, his spiritual advisor and the executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Joshua actually started sending these reflections, writings, quotes, and scripture passages to Obama when he was a senator, and this devotional is a compilation of some of the best of those messages. DuBois states that, “The devotionals I sent the president have always been Christian at their core, and their ultimate subject is Christ.” Aside from biblical verses, though, the devotional includes passages and quotations from individuals and sources such as Van Goethe’s Faust, Joni Mitchell, Emily Brontë, Thomas Paine, C.S. Lewis, and Johnny Cash. If you are looking for a positive way to start your day with a contemporary and faith-based focus, you will be inspired by this devotional.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main reason I abandoned the book is because it is a library book, and I wouldn't have been able to keep it long enough. The book is a daily devotional designed for daily reading with reflection or meditation on the readings. As such, it really doesn't lend itself to extended reading time which is what I need to do in order to return it on time to the library. Maybe it's a book that I would someday purchase in order to read on a day-to-day basis, but often I don't do well with that for very long.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A christian devotional for leaders, DuBois has crafted words and prayers in dialogue with selected Biblical texts and inspirational quotations that often move, ground, and encourage those in difficult leadership positions.

[Kristen Raisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite devotional by far. It is filled with relevant insights, poignant scripture, and thoughtful reflections. I go back to it every few years, and I am excited to begin my year-long journey with it again today. At a time of such political uncertainty and frustration, remembering that one of my favorite presidents also took solace and guidance from his faith in God is a balm for my soul. Many thanks to my dear friend Lori who gifted this gem of a book to me several years ago. May we all remember to find joy and hope even in small things this year.

[Julie Capell · Rating 3 out of 5]

On january 1st, I realized I had finished the 365-day inspirational reader I had been working through (A Year with Rilke, HIGHLY RECOMMEND). What to delve into in this new year? I was at a loss. The Goodreads engine suggested I might like this book, and indeed, it sounded interesting, so I bought it.

But merely three days into the book and the year, I have decided it is not for me. I am sure it is an amazing book if you are a devoted Christian. But something seems to have happened to me over the past several years and I didn't even notice until I started reading this book. Now a couple of years into a journey of meditation and slow induction into the basics of Buddhism, I am looking for a different type of experience than what this book seems to offer.

I've switched to the daily reader "Your True Home" by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk. I think it will be more in line with my life and my experience of the world these days.

[Valeska · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another book I would like to have around the house. It was a series of daily readings that was meant to be read one every day and I read all of them in eleven days... I think it would be nice to pick this up and ponder a couple of readings at a time. There was a lot of wisdom in this.

I really appreciated the story behind this: the author worked on President Obama's staff during the campaign and was part of his staff for his first term of office. He offered to e-mail a devotional to the president every day. This is a compilation of all the e-mails. They have the format of a Bible verse coupled with an interesting quote or story and a prayer to ponder the above. It gave me a lot to think about in my own life and it was interesting imagining President Obama starting his day with this reading. If you need some spiritual fulfillment in your life, I would recommend this book.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe-inspiring devotional that will make you think about your life.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the 2008 campaign season, Joshua DuBois sent an email to a US Senator who "also happened to be running for president." It said:

"Hi Senator,
I hope you're well. I've collected a few devotionals and scriptures that might provide encouragement in these last few weeks, including the one below. I'll send them in the morning from time to time, if it's helpful.
Best, Joshua"

Senator Barak Obama replied that he would appreciate that greatly. Later on, Joshua would become the "White House faith-based office director." He had continued the practice of sending the President devotionals and scripture readings.

This book is a collection of some of those devotionals. And it is easily one of the most inspiring daily devotional books I have ever read.

At the beginning of each month's readings is a longer reading to start the month. The most most moving of those was (I can't remember which month) the one that detailed President Obama's visit to the home of evangelist Billy Graham. I was nearly in tears as Joshua described the moment when President Barak Obama (unjustly accused by many ultra-conservatives of being a Muslim) knelt and prayed for Billy Graham.

I treasure this book, and will keep it around, perhaps to use it again another year.

Oh, and by the way, it is rarely, if ever political at all. There might be one of the monthly opening articles that might have edged into politics, but that's it. The devotions are scripturally based and feature quotes from other people as well. They are also very short, never more than two pages, so it's easily accessible for a brief morning (or whenever) devotional reading.

[East Greenbush Community Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

At any time, these concise but valuable readings are a much needed resource, a true chicken soup for all of us. Two of my favorites: "Let's take a moment to look back and see how many times the enemy's declarations over our lives have failed." "I have not had the easiest of days but I am still standing."

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Daily Devotional

Collection of devotional readings for every day of the year, along with monthly short vignettes from the author’s time in the White House. Good for both spiritual and mental motivation every day. Will be rereading in the new year!!

[Theresa Beehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best daily devotional

Joshua DuBois did an excellent job of combining biblical tied in with real life experiences. Knowing that these words were sent to President Obama gave me a different perspective.

[Margaret Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for leaders & daily life

This book works well for spiritual guidance regardless of being a leader or a person looking for daily devotion. Give honor to God is correct.....

[Melissa L Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, enlightening and encouraging!

Every morning I read this devotional before starting my day, what a wonderful start to one's day! Much better than any caffeinated drink or gym workout. It was a spiritual awakening each and every morning! Simply amazing!

[Bentley Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with lots of great spiritual thoughts and reflections for each day.

The stories Dubois tells of his time working for Senator, and then President, Obama are well worth the read as well. The insights into faith, spirituality, and service are simply lovely.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A day by day reflections by Joshua Dubois to President Obama. Each day has a quote from all sources or verse from the bible. Then a reflection and ends in a prayer. These are daily quick hits that pack powerful inspirations.

[Timothy H. Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewarding

Rewarding because it gives you inspiration to be a better person. Each day reading thoughtful insights that you can think about as you perform your daily tasks. I will be reading this devotional a second time.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful writings that Barack Obama meditated on daily while in office. Totally legit.

[Michaella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic devotional that combines scripture with quotes of spiritual people, and stories of a strong president.

[Leslie Maughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great verses, quotes, reflections, and stories.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you lean in into the European's Christianity principles, then this is a book for you. Otherwise, I am going to keep fishing in the sea.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved moving through the year with these insightful devotions from Joshua DuBois. And to know that these were originally shared with President Obama makes me know I am in good company.

[Kdmorton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the simplicity and evergreen nature of these devotionals. It was fun to imagine our former President reading these on his Blackberry and meditating on the same words as us.

[cindy jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the stories will surprise you but just shows you that there are angels in places you can't imagine.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful devotional.

[Charles D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blessing!

This wonderful devotional is truly a blessing to my soul! It will bless you, as well.
Thank you Father! Amen

[Mrs. Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Well worth taking the time throughout the year to read. It has been extremely comfortable having this devotion to read each morning.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot of wisdom in this book and the world being what it is these days, it's nice to read something that's uplifting. I have to be honest and say I didn't read one post a day....I just finished out the year yesterday, but I plan to post some of the better quotes throughout the year on Facebook.

[Heather B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book to complete so much as a daily focus for one's prayer life.

[Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

DuBois was the head of the President's Faith Based Initiatives Office. He sent an email devotion to the President each day. This is a collection of those devotionals which include scripture, quotes from notable people, a brief reflection and prayer. I'm glad to see a work showing the influence of Christianity on a Democratic President.