Christian Books You Can Read in a Day (or Two…)

Finishing a book in a day is a great feeling. Not only does it leave you satisfied, reading a book quickly can also help you to absorb the overall message of the book.

We've compiled a list of excellent books that are both substantial and manageable, perfect for a sabbath afternoon, a quiet Saturday or a holiday read. These books would also make good options for tackling over a few days if reading the whole book in one day seems a bit daunting!

Each book listing includes the page count and estimated reading time (based on an average reading speed of 50 pages per hour). Whether you're looking to deepen your faith, gain practical wisdom, or find spiritual encouragement, there's something here for everyone.

Prayer & Spiritual Disciplines

Deepen your communion with God through these accessible guides to spiritual disciplines

Living the Psalms by David Murray

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• This brief look at the Psalms encourages Christians to see the Psalms as a ‘handbook of the spiritual life’.

Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney

• 112 pages (~2.2 hours)
• A practical method for engaging with Scripture in prayer, helping readers overcome the challenge of praying the same old things about the same old things.

How to Memorize Scripture by Andrew M. Davis

• 96 pages (~2 hours)
• Practical strategies for hiding God's Word in your heart, from individual verses to entire books of the Bible.

Deeper Still by Linda Allcock

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• A guide to biblical meditation that helps readers move from surface-level Bible reading to deeper engagement with God's Word.

Gospel & Theology

Strengthen your understanding of essential Christian truths

What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

• 128 pages (~2.5 hours)
• A clear, accessible explanation of the gospel message that cuts through confusion and gets to the heart of the good news.

The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers

• 80 pages (~1.6 hours)
• A profound exploration of how love for Christ displaces our love for lesser things.

Hope for All the Earth by L. Mitchell Chase

• 96 pages (~2 hours)
• A compelling overview of the Old Testament that reveals God's redemptive plan throughout history.

The Preeminent Christ by Paul Washer

• 112 pages (~2.2 hours)
• A focused study on the supremacy and centrality of Christ in all things.

Humble Calvinism by J.A. Medders

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• A refreshing reminder that Reformed theology should lead to humility and love, not pride and division.

Even Better Than Eden by Nancy Guthrie

• 160 pages (~3.2 hours)
• Traces nine themes throughout Scripture to show how God's plan for the new creation will be better than Eden.

Christian Living & Spiritual Growth

Practical wisdom for daily discipleship

Fighting for Holiness by J.C. Ryle

• 80 pages (~1.9 hours)
• Classic guidance on the daily battle for godliness, written with Ryle's characteristic pastoral wisdom.

Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle

• 96 pages (~1.9 hours)
• Timeless counsel specifically addressed to young men, dealing with the challenges and opportunities of youth.

Need to Know by Gary Millar

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• A practical guide to Christian living that answers common questions about following Jesus.

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• A liberating approach to understanding God's will and making decisions with wisdom.

FutureProof by Stephen McAlpine

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• Equips Christians to navigate an increasingly complex cultural landscape while staying faithful to Christ.

Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung

• 160 pages (~3.2 hours)
• A refreshing look at what authentic Christian living really means, free from unrealistic expectations.

On the Christian Life by John Calvin

• 128 pages (~2.5 hours)
• A classic work offering timeless insights into living the Christian life with wisdom and purpose.

Church & Community

Building meaningful relationships in the body of Christ

Caring for One Another by Edward T. Welch

• 80 pages (~1.6 hours)
• Practical guidance for creating a culture of care and support within the church community.

True Friendship by Vaughan Roberts

• 96 pages (~1.9 hours)
• Biblical wisdom on developing and maintaining meaningful friendships.

Love Your Church by Tony Merida

• 160 pages (~3.2 hours)
• Eight practical ways to deepen your commitment to and love for your local church.

Emotional & Spiritual Wellbeing

Finding hope and healing in Christ

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller

• 64 pages (~1.3 hours)
• A liberating exploration of true gospel-humility and freedom from self-focus.

Encouragement for the Depressed by Charles H. Spurgeon

• 112 pages (~1.2 hours)
• Compassionate counsel from a pastor who personally experienced depression.

Hope in an Anxious World by Helen Thorne

• 144 pages (~2.9 hours)
• Biblical perspective and practical help for those struggling with anxiety.

Christian Classics & Puritan Writings

Timeless wisdom from faithful believers of the past

The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson

• 128 pages (~2.6 hours)
• A thorough examination of true biblical repentance from a beloved Puritan author.

The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

• 160 pages (~3.2 hours)
• A pastoral classic offering comfort to struggling Christians, showing Christ's gentleness with wounded souls.

Following God Fully by Joel Beeke & Michael Reeves

• 168 pages (~3.3 hours)
• An accessible introduction to Puritan thought and spirituality for contemporary readers.

Ministry & Leadership

Resources for serving Christ's church

The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way by Francis A. Schaeffer

• 96 pages (~1.9 hours)
• Wisdom for serving God faithfully while avoiding burnout and maintaining spiritual integrity.

Preaching: A God-Centred Vision by Michael Reeves

• 128 pages (~2.5 hours)
• A fresh perspective on preaching that keeps God's glory at the center.

Authentic Ministry by Michael Reeves

• 110 pages (~2.2 hours)
• Guidance for maintaining genuine, Christ-centered ministry in a performance-driven world.

Biography

Inspiration from faithful lives

A Holy Minister by Jordan Stone

• 192 pages (~3.8 hours)
• An engaging look at the life and ministry of Robert Murray M'Cheyne.

Not a Tame Lion by Terry Glaspey

• 192 pages (~3.8 hours)
• An insightful exploration of C.S. Lewis's life, thought, and enduring influence.

Family & Specific Audiences

Targeted wisdom for specific life situations

A Brief Theology of Periods by Rachel Jones

• 128 pages (~2.5 hours)
• A thoughtful, biblical perspective on a rarely discussed aspect of women's lives.

Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noël Piper

• 176 pages (~3.5 hours)
• Inspiring stories of five women who served God in remarkable ways.

Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World by Ed Drew

• 176 pages (~3.5 hours)
• Biblical wisdom for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in today's culture.

Conclusion

These books prove that significant spiritual growth doesn't always require a long-term reading commitment. Whether you have a quiet afternoon, a day off, or want to break your reading into manageable chunks throughout the week, these books offer accessible wisdom for your Christian journey.

Remember, while these books can be read in a day, take the time you need to reflect on and apply their insights. Sometimes the shortest books can have the most lasting impact on our walk with Christ.

Reading times are estimated based on an average reading speed of 50 pages per hour. Your actual reading time may vary depending on your reading speed and the depth of engagement with the material.