The President's Devotional LP - Large Print by Joshua DuBois (Paperback)

About the Book

The President's Devotional lets you start each day with the words that have inspired President Barack Obama, collected by Joshua DuBois, President Obama's "Pastor-in-Chief" (Time magazine)--his spiritual advisor who also served as the executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Every day, DuBois provided President Obama 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.

Book Synopsis

The President's Devotional lets you start each day with the words that have inspired President Barack Obama, collected by Joshua DuBois, President Obama's "Pastor-in-Chief" (Time magazine)--his spiritual advisor who also served as the executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Every day, DuBois provided President Obama 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.

From the Back Cover

In the heat of Barack Obama's first presidential campaign, staff member Joshua DuBois prepared an e-mail to be read first thing every morning, short snippets of scripture, inspirational stories, quotes, and prayers to provide counsel, encouragement, and inspiration. The president has said these "have meant the world to me." Now all of us can receive this same counsel and encouragement by reading the best 365 devotionals the president read. DuBois also offers longer monthly meditations reflecting on the spiritual lessons he learned by accompanying the president. By spending time each day with The President's Devotional, we are reminded what is most important in life, that we are not alone in our efforts, and what our true mission is in the world.

Review Quotes

"The religious practice of President Obama...is in the spotlight thanks to a new book about his prayer life by his former staff member Joshua DuBois. In The Presidents Devotional, DuBois compiles the prayers and bits of Scripture and inspiration that he has been e-mailing the president every morning." - USA Today
"The administration's go-to guy for almost all things religious." - Christianity Today
"Every morning [Joshua] sends me via e-mail a daily meditation. A snippet of Scripture for me to reflect on, and it has meant the world to me." - President Barack Obama, quoted in the New York Times
"Obama has often mentioned the inspiration he finds in DuBois' daily Scripture e-mails, making the faith-based office director an informal spiritual adviser to the president." - Washington Post
"[DuBois has] earned the respect of many who work at the intersection of faith and politics." - Huffington Post
"A special book, with the thread of spirituality drawing the reader in, the author shares insight into many of the trying times and difficult events in Obama's first administration. . . . This will be a sensational gift book for special holidays." - Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"This is not your usual book on spirituality. . . . The essays add a note of grace and humility. It is inspiring to know even people in high-powered roles still return to their faith to gain the courage to make critical decisions." - Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Most of us work to educate our Minds. Some of us exercise our Bodies. Not all of us develop our Spirit. That is why I'm so impressed with Joshua DuBois's book. The President's Devotional is a concise daily educational exercise in Spiritual Formation." - Rich Wilkerson, Senior Pastor, Trinity Church
"Joshua DuBois has been consistent in his encouragement-from the president to new friends-to spending time in prayer, meditating on the Word. All of us can use that type of encouragement." - Peb Jackson, author of A Dangerous Faith
"DuBois's devotions draw the reader closer to the heart of God and help us to see things God's way before the world begins to knock on the door of our hearts. These prophetic and powerful pathways into the heart of God will prepare you to meet whatever the day brings." - Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church
"365 daily lessons containing spiritual and moral guidance appropriate for both gifted world leaders and ordinary people...best savored one day at a time." - Booklist
"One of the most rewarding reads of The President's Devotional comes at the beginning of each month when DuBois offers memories of specific moments during his time at the White House...These devotionals make clear DuBois has been the president's most consistent spiritual advisor--a role he takes seriously." - Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, Huffington Post
"Now all of us, including leaders in government, business, the nonprofit sector, and other fields, can join President Obama in benefiting from the great young reverend's spiritual insights. This book is a special treat for the mind, a treasure for the spirit, and a daily tonic for the soul." - John DiIulio, Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion, and Civil Society, University of Pennsylvania
"As leaders we know how important it is to be spiritually centered on a daily basis. Our lives are filled with casting vision, making tough decisions, responding to crises, and demanding schedules. My friend Joshua DuBois, out of the context of one of the most intense environments in the world, imparts to us life-giving reflections that can help provide biblical guidance and insights to nourish our souls. Not only am I using this resource, I will be encouraging others to use it daily." - Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, CEO and Secretary General, World Evangelical Alliance
"As leaders we know how important it is to be spiritually centered on a daily basis. Joshua DuBois imparts life-giving reflections that help provide biblical guidance and insights to nourish our souls. Not only am I using this resource, I will be encouraging others to use it daily." - Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, CEO and Secretary General, World Evangelical Alliance
"Leadership is influence, and Joshua DuBois has plenty of it. The President's Devotional provides a tremendous spiritual resource for Christians that will deepen their walk, as well as a set of powerful lessons in high-stakes leadership. This book will help all of us who are charging hard and intent on making a difference to stay grounded while accomplishing big things. I highly recommend it." - Brad Lomenick, President and Key Visionary, Catalyst, and author of The Catalyst Leader
"This book provides a tremendous spiritual resource that will deepen their walk, as well as a set of powerful lessons in high-stakes leadership. It will help all who are charging hard and intent on making a difference to stay grounded while accomplishing big things. I highly recommend it." - Brad Lomenick, President and Key Visionary, Catalyst, and author of The Catalyst Leader
"Joshua DuBois provides daily reflections, proven in the highest corridors of earthly power, that stand poised to inspire, inform, and impart the truth that God's mercies arrive new every morning. This devotion is a must read for every leader in our land." - Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference-the Hispanic Evangelical Association
"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 of The Circle Maker
"The President's Devotional is a surprisingly intimate journey to soul, lifted by the poetry, passion, and prayer that Joshua shared with the President. Insisting on Christ as his North Star in the midst of personal loss and national turmoil, Joshua reveals a grace, courage, and humility that make this book an essential compass." - Kevin Ryan, President and CEO, Covenant House International
"A surprisingly intimate journey to soul, lifted by the poetry, passion, and prayer that Joshua shared with the President. Insisting on Christ as his North Star in the midst of personal loss and national turmoil, Joshua reveals a grace, courage, and humility that make this book an essential compass." - Kevin Ryan, President and CEO, Covenant House International
"As we face mighty leadership challenges, we need a strong connection to our Almighty God. Every morning, Joshua DuBois has had the privilege of sharing a daily devotional with our nation's leader. And now we have the privilege to learn from the same wisdom and insight that Joshua brought to the president during his amazing experience." - Bobby Gruenewald, Innovation Leader, LifeChurch.tv and Founder, YouVersion: The Bible App
"As we face mighty leadership challenges, we need a strong connection to our Almighty God. Every morning, Joshua had the privilege of sharing a daily devotional with our nation's leader. And now we have the privilege to learn from the same wisdom and insight that Joshua brought to the president." - Bobby Gruenewald, Innovation Leader, LifeChurch.tv and Founder, YouVersion: The Bible App
"Joshua DuBois is so incredibly smart and has such a big and compassionate heart. He took the White House faith-based effort to a new and better civic place. And now all of us, including leaders in government, business, the nonprofit sector, and other fields, can join President Obama in benefiting from the great young reverend's spiritual insights and reflections. This book is a special treat for the mind, a treasure for the spirit, and a daily tonic for the soul." - John DiIulio, Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion, and Civil Society, University of Pennsylvania
"Joshua DuBois's devotions are life changing, life-creating invitations to encounter God. They draw the reader closer to the heart of God and help us to see things God's way before the world begins to knock on the door of our hearts. These prophetic and powerful pathways into the heart of God will prepare you to meet whatever the day brings." - Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church
"The repercussions of how a president applies his faith have great effects good or ill. But the fundamental spiritual issues a world leader faces are no different from what the rest of us wrestle with. Joshua DuBois's daily devotions for President Obama are filled with pastoral insights that can help guide the rest of us to make good choices as we work for change in our own spheres of influence." - David Neff, former editor in chief, Christianity Today
"Joshua DuBois's daily devotions for President Obama are filled with pastoral insights that can help guide the rest of us to make good choices as we work for change in our own spheres of influence." - David Neff, former editor in chief, Christianity Today
"A daily spiritual oasis to help driven leaders catch their breath and reset their compass. Joshua's selection of devotional thoughts and prayers, as well as his own wise offerings, are comforting and challenging in good proportion. They provide, from within the Christian tradition, both the wide perspective and the moment for personal centering necessary to stay oriented on the leadership journey." - Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
"A daily spiritual oasis to help driven leaders catch their breath and reset their compass. Joshua's selection is comforting and challenging in good proportion. The devotionals provide, from within the Christian tradition, both the wide perspective and the moment for personal centering necessary to stay oriented on the leadership journey." - Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
"As a pastor in D.C., so many believers in my church seek scriptural, experienced guidance on how to navigate the tensions and challenges of living a public life aligned with their personal faith. Joshua DuBois's 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 of The Circle Maker
"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." - Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life
"The devotionals themselves are simple, yet beautiful. Each one contains a passage of scripture, often accompanied by a quote from a notable figure, followed by a reflection and a prayer written by DuBois himself. As he and the president are both Christian, the scripture comes from the Bible. However, the words of wisdom that accompany scripture are culled from such diverse figures as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan to Tolstoy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy...These devotionals make clear DuBois has been the president's most consistent spiritual advisor--and it is a role he takes seriously." - Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, Huffington Post
"What a gift God has given our President in Joshua DuBois. For years I have watched this young man faithfully organize both Scriptures and prayers to strengthen the President in mind and spirit. Joshua has been the President's go-to bridge to spiritual leaders, to Biblical wisdom, and to faith. Now he can be our bridge, too." - Joel Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland: A Church Distributed
"For years I have watched DuBois faithfully organize both Scriptures and prayers to strengthen the President in mind and spirit. Joshua has been the President's go-to bridge to spiritual leaders, to Biblical wisdom, and to faith. Now he can be our bridge, too." - Joel Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland: A Church Distributed
"Nothing uplifts American citizens more than knowing that our President is daily seeking the spiritual strength leadership demands. Joshua DuBois understood the centering power of feasting on the inspired word and wisdom of God. We will all be blessed immeasurably as we journey through this amazing collection of presidential devotionals." - Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Co-Chair, National African American Clergy Network and President, Skinner Leadership Institute
"Joshua is one of those refreshing and practical people who has provided Biblical truth and hope to people ranging from The Big O. to those cleaning tables. Inspire the leader within you with Biblical and timely insights DuBois has learned from his personal relationship with the greatest Leader of all." - Justin Mayo, Executive Director, RedEyeInc.org
"The Bible encourages us to pray for the leaders of governments who have responsibility for governing. Joshua DuBois's book of devotions reflects not only praying for but praying with leaders at the highest ranks of the U.S. government. These devotions provide insight into the things that have been significant encouragement for persons who are faced everyday with critical decisions that affect the life of the nation and the world. Prayerful leaders and their partners in prayer provide the humility necessary to lead with honor and integrity. These devotions will prove valuable to each of us as we face the challenges of leadership in the fulfillment of our responsibilities to and for those God has placed in our care." - Michael A. Battle Sr., Former President of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)
"These devotions provide insight into things that have been significant encouragement for persons who are faced everyday with critical decisions. They prove valuable to each of us as we face the challenges of leadership in the fulfillment of our responsibilities to and for those God has placed in our care." - Michael A. Battle Sr., Former President of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)
"The religious practice of President Obama...is in the spotlight thanks to a new book about his prayer life by his former staff member Joshua DuBois. In The President's Devotional, DuBois compiles the prayers and bits of Scripture and inspiration that he has been e-mailing the president every morning since Obama's first presidential campaign, and that the president reportedly reads on his BlackBerry to start each day." - USA Today
"Churchgoers across the nation are snapping up Joshua DuBois' new book, The President's Devotional in which he details 365 of the most compelling inspirational messages he sent daily to President Barack Obama over a six year period." - Chicago Sun-Times
"It is absolutely essential that all leaders receive daily direction, spiritual guidance, and soul-nourishing input from God's Word. Without it, any leader will dry up under the pressures and responsibilities of leadership. 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." - Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life
"Whatever else history records of Barack 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 by cell phone. Now, thanks to Joshua DuBois, we too can be instructed and inspired by words intended to sustain a president." - Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author
"No matter how busy and stressed you are; you're not busier or more stressed than the President, who read these devotionals in some of the highest pressure days of his life. We can all learn from this book how to encourage bless the leaders around us with wisdom and grace." - Russell D. Moore, Ph.D. President, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention
"When Joshua DuBois opens his mouth, grace falls out. If you want to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired in your faith, look no further. The President's Devotional is a must read book of spiritual reflections from one of America's most influential Christian leaders." - Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News Service and author of Jesus is Better Than You Imagined
"Too often people make 'high levels of leadership' appear so unattainable and self-taxing than highlighting the honor of getting to serve/lead those around you. Josh is one of those refreshing and practical people who has been able to provide Biblical truth and hope to people ranging from The Big O. to those cleaning tables at cafes he frequents. I highly recommend you grab a coffee and check out this book. Inspire the leader within you with Biblical and timely insights DuBois has learned from his personal relationship with the greatest Leader of all." - Justin Mayo, Executive Director, RedEyeInc.org
"With this book, Joshua DuBois reveals the private strength behind the public story, the pursuit of God from the highest office. These words, drawn from ancient texts and trusted leaders, distill rare, urgent counsel during an age when we've never needed wisdom more." - Stephan Bauman, President & CEO, World Relief
"Where does the President look for wisdom? My friend Joshua DuBois provided President Obama a daily dose of Old and New Testament wisdom. With The President's Devotional, the rest of us have access to the devotions and meditations Joshua supplied to the President. What a treasure!" - Andy Stanley, founder and pastor of North Point Ministries
"I've heard it said that if an issue reaches the President's desk it's because there aren't any good options left. So where does the President of the United States look for wisdom when the wise men and women around him have said all they know to say? My friend Joshua DuBois answered that question by providing President Obama a daily dose of Old and New Testament wisdom. And now, with the publication of The President's Devotional, the rest of us have access to the devotions and meditations Joshua supplied to the President. What a treasure! Thank you Joshua." - Andy Stanley, founder and pastor of North Point Ministries
"This beautiful book of devotionals encourages us to take time for prayer and reflection. We faithfully read it every day, we drink in the text, and it quenches our thirst. This devotional strengthens and inspires us, and most importantly reminds us to trust God in every area of our lives." - Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, executive producers of The Bible
"In the busyness of business we know we have to make 'space for grace' in our lives. This beautiful book of devotionals from Joshua DuBois encourages us to take time for prayer and reflection. We faithfully read it every day, we drink in the text, and it quenches our thirst. This devotional strengthens and inspires us, and most importantly it reminds us to trust God in every area of our lives." - Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, executive producers of The Bible
"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." - Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author