Everyone is on a quest for less screen time and digital distraction. We monitor our data usage and chide ourselves for spending too much time on social media, but there are profoundly good things we can do with our phones too, including engaging with God and caring for our spiritual lives. God and technology are not at odds with each other, and if we are wise with our screen time, our phones can be a great resource for cultivating a stronger relationship with God.
Here are 10 apps to encourage your walk with God.
1. YouVersion: This was one of the first apps I ever downloaded, and it has been a trustworthy companion ever since. You can search for verses, begin a reading plan, find devotionals, watch videos and bookmark and highlight your favorite Bible verses for quick, on-the-go access.
2. One Minute Pause: Sometimes just one extra minute of focusing on God can change your entire day. Started by John Eldredge as a way to carve out extra space and connect with God, this app can help recenter your mind on God while giving you a little more room to breathe during a busy day. You can engage in 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-minute guided pauses throughout your day to help you reconnect with God.
3. Dwell: Dwell is an audio Bible app that allows you to listen to Scripture. You can choose the voice, set background music and allow the passage to repeat as you reflect and meditate on God’s Word being read to you.
4. The Daily Office: The Daily Office is a collection of prayers and Scripture readings from The Book of Common Prayer, which has been used by the Church since the Reformation. Within this app, there are four daily times you can engage in reading Scripture and prayers. Each time you open it, you join thousands of Christians across the world who are reading and praying the same words.
5. Pray As You Go: This app invites you to hear a passage of Scripture, listen to a song and then reflect on questions related to the Scripture reading. It’s a great way to pray and engage with Scripture while driving since each day’s reflection is less than 15 minutes long.
6. Blue Letter Bible: Looking to really dig into Scripture? The Blue Letter Bible app allows you to explore Greek and Hebrew root words, cross-references, commentaries and a powerful concordance to help you mine the depths of the Bible.
7. Hoopla: If you haven’t discovered Hoopla yet, get ready for a stream of endless books! Hoopla connects with your library account to give you access to books and audiobooks on your phone. You can download devotionals, Bible studies, commentaries and a variety of books from your favorite authors.
8. FaithPlay: FaithPlay brings together sermons, podcasts and messages for you to access all in one place. You can search, build playlists and discover new voices in Christian culture.
9. Abide: The Abide app offers daily guided meditations based on Scripture, set to music and soothing pictures to help you relieve stress, set aside worry and reconnect with the peace of Christ.
10. Faith Church: Have you downloaded Faith’s app yet? You can access sermon study guides, watch Sunday services, give online and even submit a prayer request. It’s a great resource for all of us at Faith!
Becky Young is a counselor and spiritual director at Faith where she has been a member for five years. She also serves with Faith’s Photography Team and Writing Team. Becky enjoys writing about soul care and cultivating a deeper life with God.
Becky was born and raised in Colorado and enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening and exploring God’s creation.