What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lamp Unto My Feet: The Bible's Light For Your Daily Walk
"To me, the commandments, all that the Word of God comprises, are a lamp."--Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot had an early acquaintance with the Bible. Before she could read or write, God's holy words were read aloud to her twice a day. In her life, this gift of a deep and personal association with Scripture has been priceless: a drink in times of thirst, an inspiration in times of fear, and a light in times of darkness. Join Elisabeth Elliot for six months of daily meditations, each holding the power to bring you deeper into God's abiding love.
Elisabeth Elliot had an early acquaintance with the Bible. Before she could read or write, God's holy words were read aloud to her twice a day. In her life, this gift of a deep and personal association with Scripture has been priceless: a drink in times of thirst, an inspiration in times of fear, and a light in times of darkness. Join Elisabeth Elliot for six months of daily meditations, each holding the power to bring you deeper into God's abiding love.
248 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1985
116 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
177 books2,284 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 25, 2015
In ancient times a tiny clay lamp was sometimes fastened to the thong of a sandal so that the pool of light cast was sufficient only for a single step. The traveler took that step and found light enough for the next. So the psalmist wrote: "Thy Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light on my path."This beginning passage charmed my soul. I am always a fan of Elisabeth Elliott's writings and this book did not disappoint. I love how she points always, to God and His word. In this book she gently reminds us that it is time alone with God and His Word that will equip us to live our lives. It's so difficult in this fast paced society to slow down and just be with God. She reminds us that:
Very possibly we often miss what God wants to show us because we don't take time to pray silently and watch quietly.As I was browsing through my notes, I realize that I have practically highlighted the entire book!
The book is divided into months, and then homilies for each day of the month. I actually read it through over a period of days, rather than using it as a devotional. This book became a time of quiet and refreshment for me over my lunch time. It was a lovely way to slow myself down and recenter myself as one of God's children.
December 18, 2024
4.5 stars
I consider Elisabeth Elliot to be my spiritual mentor. I've read most of her books and listened to her old radio programs. This is a good compilation devotional, but not my favorite. Some of the selections could have been deeper, but I understand that they were trying to keep each daily entry short and sweet. If you've never read anything by her (or not much), this would be a good place to start.
I consider Elisabeth Elliot to be my spiritual mentor. I've read most of her books and listened to her old radio programs. This is a good compilation devotional, but not my favorite. Some of the selections could have been deeper, but I understand that they were trying to keep each daily entry short and sweet. If you've never read anything by her (or not much), this would be a good place to start.
October 18, 2021
Date: October 21, 2021
Name of reviewer: Eyasu Tadiyos
Title of the book: “A Lamp for My Feet”
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Published by: Servant Books
Elisabeth Elliot's faith in and love for God's word resulted in a "Lamp for My Feet." This book, published over a period of five or six years, contains a range of subjects for each day of a six-month period. The book is entirely made up of Scripture reflections.
Elisabeth Elliot was inspired to create this book by her own encounters with Scripture. She understands that the Bible is the best source of daily instruction, and that its pages are full of wisdom about human nature, the sad consequences of sin, and the delights of being in God's presence. Her goal in writing is to pique the reader's interest in God's living word. She also states that her book is not intended to replace regular Bible reading. Reading the Bible, praying while reading, meditating on the Scripture, and obeying the commandants are all things Elisabeth recommends for all Christians. This book has numerous parts that serve as daily life guides in various aspects of life, with the overall idea being that the Bible is the best daily life guide if we pay attention to it and walk where it shines.
This book piqued my interest because it is an important book for Christian life formation, and our spiritual formation instructor had assigned us to read devotional books. I thought this book was significant because the author's goal for writing is to arouse the reader's interest in God's living word. And author backs up her claim with a large amount of evidence, all of which is supported by Scripture and personal witness. Not only that, but Elisabeth Elliot is one of modern Christianity's outstanding women, meaning that she has had a distinguished life.
This book aroused my interest in learning more about God's word and helped me comprehend key Biblical ideas like prayer, faith, and identity. As a result, I would strongly advise all Christians to read this book.
Name of reviewer: Eyasu Tadiyos
Title of the book: “A Lamp for My Feet”
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Published by: Servant Books
Elisabeth Elliot's faith in and love for God's word resulted in a "Lamp for My Feet." This book, published over a period of five or six years, contains a range of subjects for each day of a six-month period. The book is entirely made up of Scripture reflections.
Elisabeth Elliot was inspired to create this book by her own encounters with Scripture. She understands that the Bible is the best source of daily instruction, and that its pages are full of wisdom about human nature, the sad consequences of sin, and the delights of being in God's presence. Her goal in writing is to pique the reader's interest in God's living word. She also states that her book is not intended to replace regular Bible reading. Reading the Bible, praying while reading, meditating on the Scripture, and obeying the commandants are all things Elisabeth recommends for all Christians. This book has numerous parts that serve as daily life guides in various aspects of life, with the overall idea being that the Bible is the best daily life guide if we pay attention to it and walk where it shines.
This book piqued my interest because it is an important book for Christian life formation, and our spiritual formation instructor had assigned us to read devotional books. I thought this book was significant because the author's goal for writing is to arouse the reader's interest in God's living word. And author backs up her claim with a large amount of evidence, all of which is supported by Scripture and personal witness. Not only that, but Elisabeth Elliot is one of modern Christianity's outstanding women, meaning that she has had a distinguished life.
This book aroused my interest in learning more about God's word and helped me comprehend key Biblical ideas like prayer, faith, and identity. As a result, I would strongly advise all Christians to read this book.
April 7, 2014
Helped me so much.
"If we wait until we are sure we shall do a thing purely and perfectly, we shall never accomplish the will of God on earth."
"If we wait until we are sure we shall do a thing purely and perfectly, we shall never accomplish the will of God on earth."
January 2, 2019
I read this book quicker than recommended because I was borrowing it from the library (although the title was "A Lamp Unto My Feet"). This would be better to read as a daily devotional to really soak it in. The topics do not build on each other or follow a certain order but are bits of wisdom on various topics. Another good EE book!
November 19, 2025
Humbled daily with this devotional!
December 7, 2020
What a gem of a petite devotional! Elisabeth Elliot writes short entries that are candid and relevant to life’s everyday grit and frustrations. Her writing is not eloquent. Instead, the value of this devotional is in how she cuts through subtle sins we have - lust for security, unhappiness over our limitations, fears. And much of what she shares is from her own experiences and failures. This book left me uplifted, and I certainly want to come back for a second read.
June 18, 2015
Reflections from the Lamp
I have read Elisabeth Elliot’s A Lamp for My Feet at least a half dozen times in the past twenty years, but turned to it again at the outset of 2015. Like an old friend, its words are familiar to me, and my copy is underlined and dog-eared and covered with scrawled verse references. It’s a simple little book based on Elisabeth Elliot’s own personal devotions with six months of daily reflections on whatever Scripture she happened to be reading at the time.
Although I own and have read (and re-read) nearly everything Elisabeth has written, this book is in my top three, and in many ways, I have been mentored through her writing. I began reading her books with a dictionary nearby — her vocabulary far surpassed mine. I have never met her, although I did go to hear her speak once, but was, frankly, too intimidated to go to the book table and talk to her. By that time, she was in her early seventies and had acquired the bearing and the force of character that one would associate with Huldah, the Old Testament prophetess in King Josiah’s day, (see II Kings 22:14-20).
During the mid-90’s Elisabeth had a daily radio program, so while I was raising babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, I arranged my mornings around Gateway to Joy. A Lamp for My Feet covers those themes for which Elisabeth was so well known: obedience, the sovereignty of God, sacrifice, and suffering. Her Christianity was of the bracing and invigorating variety that sustained the heroes she looked up to as a child and wrote about as an adult — the likes of Amy Carmichael, Lilias Trotter, and Gladys Aylward, all pioneer missionaries.
Known for being blunt and emphatic, Elisabeth Elliot brooked no excuses and suffered no whiners. Her second husband Addison Leitch said once that some people call a spade a spade, but Elisabeth called it a bloody shovel. In the seventies, when everyone else was talking about feminism, she was talking about femininity. Her life was a spectacular balance of assertiveness and submission, and the fleet of present-day complementarian bloggers are among her spiritual grandchildren. What I came to understand about Elisabeth Elliot is that she spoke with the certainty of one who had stepped into obedience enough times, who had chosen the way of faith often enough to learn the secret that the resulting joy and the deepening intimacy with God is priceless. I find it nearly impossible to mourn her passing, because she is now experiencing the fruit of her surrendered life.
Her exhortation in the introduction to A Lamp for My Feet is classic Elisabeth Elliot: “If you have only five minutes, don’t read my book, read God’s. It will be a lamp for your feet.”
I have read Elisabeth Elliot’s A Lamp for My Feet at least a half dozen times in the past twenty years, but turned to it again at the outset of 2015. Like an old friend, its words are familiar to me, and my copy is underlined and dog-eared and covered with scrawled verse references. It’s a simple little book based on Elisabeth Elliot’s own personal devotions with six months of daily reflections on whatever Scripture she happened to be reading at the time.
Although I own and have read (and re-read) nearly everything Elisabeth has written, this book is in my top three, and in many ways, I have been mentored through her writing. I began reading her books with a dictionary nearby — her vocabulary far surpassed mine. I have never met her, although I did go to hear her speak once, but was, frankly, too intimidated to go to the book table and talk to her. By that time, she was in her early seventies and had acquired the bearing and the force of character that one would associate with Huldah, the Old Testament prophetess in King Josiah’s day, (see II Kings 22:14-20).
During the mid-90’s Elisabeth had a daily radio program, so while I was raising babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, I arranged my mornings around Gateway to Joy. A Lamp for My Feet covers those themes for which Elisabeth was so well known: obedience, the sovereignty of God, sacrifice, and suffering. Her Christianity was of the bracing and invigorating variety that sustained the heroes she looked up to as a child and wrote about as an adult — the likes of Amy Carmichael, Lilias Trotter, and Gladys Aylward, all pioneer missionaries.
Known for being blunt and emphatic, Elisabeth Elliot brooked no excuses and suffered no whiners. Her second husband Addison Leitch said once that some people call a spade a spade, but Elisabeth called it a bloody shovel. In the seventies, when everyone else was talking about feminism, she was talking about femininity. Her life was a spectacular balance of assertiveness and submission, and the fleet of present-day complementarian bloggers are among her spiritual grandchildren. What I came to understand about Elisabeth Elliot is that she spoke with the certainty of one who had stepped into obedience enough times, who had chosen the way of faith often enough to learn the secret that the resulting joy and the deepening intimacy with God is priceless. I find it nearly impossible to mourn her passing, because she is now experiencing the fruit of her surrendered life.
Her exhortation in the introduction to A Lamp for My Feet is classic Elisabeth Elliot: “If you have only five minutes, don’t read my book, read God’s. It will be a lamp for your feet.”
March 4, 2008
"This book is full of simple yet profound reflections of True light ! A Lamp for my Feet is the fruit of Elisabeth's confidence and love for God's Word & all it has to offer us. All these writings stem from her personal life and give us a candid glimpse into the character and quality of her own Spirituality. A book to be savored and read over and over again! I highly recommend it.
Wow! You have to read this book!!
It had so many daily insights into life. Uplifting, encouraging and motivating. It really put me on the right track for the beginning of the year.
And I love all of Elisabeth Elliot's books; they have all touched my life in one way or another.
I highly recommend this as a "daily" devotional for a month time period or so.
Wow! You have to read this book!!
It had so many daily insights into life. Uplifting, encouraging and motivating. It really put me on the right track for the beginning of the year.
And I love all of Elisabeth Elliot's books; they have all touched my life in one way or another.
I highly recommend this as a "daily" devotional for a month time period or so.
February 23, 2015
This is a devotional, with short daily reading selections. I planned to read it during Lent and for some time afterward. However, I have a problem with devotionals and short readings: I tend to read on. That is a testimonial of sorts: it held my attention and I wanted more. However, I read it in a week.
Elizabeth Elliot is a person I greatly respect. Her writings are thoughtful and inspirational. There are sometimes scripture verses provided, but not always. However, the devotional is aimed at using Scripture as a light for one's feet/path, and she succeeds in reminding the reader of the importance of the Bible in directing one's life.
Elizabeth Elliot is a person I greatly respect. Her writings are thoughtful and inspirational. There are sometimes scripture verses provided, but not always. However, the devotional is aimed at using Scripture as a light for one's feet/path, and she succeeds in reminding the reader of the importance of the Bible in directing one's life.
January 30, 2008
Filled with inspiration and reflections from Scripture passages, Elisabeth incites deeper thinking into the everyday problems we face, the sins and downfalls of man, and the many life’s lessons we learn along the way. She uplifts and encourages us as well. Through this book, I saw just how human she is too.
June 15, 2015
A good devotional by a great woman
I enjoyed this devotional because I love Elisabeth Elliot. However, I do think it could have been better organized. There was no thematic unity to the book.
I enjoyed this devotional because I love Elisabeth Elliot. However, I do think it could have been better organized. There was no thematic unity to the book.
December 5, 2013
Amazing devotion book.
May 12, 2015
Very graciously encourages and rebukes. Absolutely loved this.
January 24, 2017
Excellent devotional. Elliot never pulls her punches.
March 18, 2023
This is my book I keep in the bathroom for those times when I just need a moment or two. Short and inspiring reads...krb 11/30/21
December 26, 2024
There were so many good passages in this devotional, but the only critique I have is that I wish they were a little longer or maybe had a thinking/journaling prompt so I could chew on the information throughout the day. Love Elisabeth Elliot though, I could practically hear her reading this in my head
June 29, 2020
This was a Christmas gift from a dear friend. This is a six month devotional (January to June) and definitely timely throughout this year. EE has been a wise voice in the wilderness for me and this devotional was no different.
June 1, 2021
I really liked these daily insights from Elisabeth Elliot! So many spoke to me and my circumstances. Her wisdom is appreciated and her honesty about her own struggles of faith give me hope. It was a good six months.
July 26, 2024
A six month devotional to read slowly over time. I appreciate her voice so much. A great book to read alongside Being Elisabeth Elliott. It gives her perspective and thoughts based on Scripture and helps understand how she lived her life.
November 6, 2017
So blessed by this book.
March 2, 2018
Elisabeth Elliot is always good. Rich in scripture and introspective. I'm always blessed by Elisabeth Elliot's writings.
March 6, 2019
daily bible study by elisabeth elliot
December 1, 2019
Puré Gold
I loved it. It is pure gold for our souls and minds. Elisabeth Elliot thougths really make me evaluate myself in the presence of my Lord. Beautiful book!!
I loved it. It is pure gold for our souls and minds. Elisabeth Elliot thougths really make me evaluate myself in the presence of my Lord. Beautiful book!!
December 31, 2019
Rich in Scripture and introspective. I’m always blessed by Elisabeth Elliot’s writings.
December 28, 2020
Wonderful Truths
Elisabeth Elliot has such a wonderful way with words to describe God’s truths for our lives. Each day has something to challenge us and encourage us.
Elisabeth Elliot has such a wonderful way with words to describe God’s truths for our lives. Each day has something to challenge us and encourage us.
February 28, 2018
Elisabeth Elliot is always good. Rich in scripture and introspective. I'm always blessed by her writings.
December 5, 2017
Challenging devotional book for a long-time disciple of Christ
Elisabeth Elliot has written a wonderfully thought-provoking devotional book. She has strong emphasis on submission, self-sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship. This may not be the book for a new or "baby" Christian, it seems this book is for a more mature or older Christian.
Elisabeth Elliot has written a wonderfully thought-provoking devotional book. She has strong emphasis on submission, self-sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship. This may not be the book for a new or "baby" Christian, it seems this book is for a more mature or older Christian.
October 16, 2017
The only devotional I'd ever really read was Jesus Calling, and when I didn't really love it, I kind of shied away from devotionals thereafter. A friend bought A Lamp Unto My Feet for me because we both share a love for all things Elisabeth Elliot and boy am I glad she did. The daily dose of straightforward truth was often exactly what I needed to hear - almost like it was written to me and for me sometimes!
If you're looking for a lovey dovey feel good type devotional, this isn't it, but if blunt truth appeals to you, E.E. Is certainly your lady.
If you're looking for a lovey dovey feel good type devotional, this isn't it, but if blunt truth appeals to you, E.E. Is certainly your lady.
November 10, 2023
One of my all-time favorite devotional books. So much wisdom contained in these short, eloquent writings. A great book to read and reread.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews