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I updated the “Resource” page on my website and was struck again by how many helpful tools and resources there are that have helped me in growing sustainable, deeper life of prayer.
I often write about books that I have enjoyed in my blog and on Instagram. There are a handful of online prayer guides in particular that I am grateful for and am excited to share a little bit about them with you. Have a read through and you will see why I love these resources. Please do let me know what your favorite online prayer resources are in comments below!
1. The Bible App (This mobile app is available in 40+ languages and includes Bible in over 900 languages.)
Undoubtedly, this is my long-term favorite mobile app (along maybe with Google Maps as I do get lost a lot!). It not only has a wide selection of different Bible translations and study tools, but The Bible App also offers an incredible selection of (audio and written) devotionals and Bible reading plans for all seasons, styles, and desires (marriage, parenting, hope, peace, Lent, Advent - you name it!). In addition to the excellent Bible study and reading plans, it has also many contemplative, reflective prayer guides. It has beautiful, inspiring graphics and I love that I can see my friends’ reading plans and highlighted scriptures, and share mine with them.
If you don’t have The Bible App on your phone, download it now.
The Bible App for Kids is great too. It includes video devotionals, scripture readings, animations, and games.
2. Pray-as-You-Go aka “PAYG” app
A close second to my favorite online prayer resource is this beautiful daily audio prayer guide by Jesuits in Britain. I have used this app for years and still enjoy it so much. The predictable rhythm of the guided prayer frees me to focus on the reading and meditation of the day.
Next to their daily prayer guide (scripture contemplation and praying the scripture) you can find special prayer retreats, examen prayer, and Lent and Advent devotionals there. Each daily prayer is about 10 to 15 minutes long and since it’s an audio devotional you can listen to it while having breakfast or on your commute to work.
Pray-as-You-Go has an audio examen prayer for children and young adults.
This app is available in English, Dutch, French, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Gravity Center offers resources for contemplative life. I often refer back to this website for different contemplative prayer practices (e.g. lectio divina, breath prayer, labyrinth, examen) and their great straight-forward descriptions of what contemplative life is about.This is also a home to the book “the Sacred Enneagram” by Christopher L. Heuertz and has great resources for the enneagram as a prayer tool.
Again, I have been blessed by my Catholic friends so much. This resource includes lots of Ignatian and other reflective prayer guides and readings. It has a great collection of examen prayer resources and I especially enjoy their “Where I Found God Today” page. It welcomes reflections from people around the world who are willing to share their experiences of God in the daily life. I have submitted a couple stories there in the past and will continue doing so. I would love to read yours there some time soon!
What are your favorite prayer resources? I would love to read them in the comments below. If you try any of the ones I mention above, please let me know how you enjoyed them!