How I Attend My Old Church’s Service from 500 Miles Away
My ‘Virtual’ Pew
After I moved to be closer to my grandkids, the thing I missed most was my home church and my community there. I was thrilled to discover that my old church live-streams its Sunday service on its Facebook page. Now, every Sunday morning, I can sit in my living room 500 miles away, sing along with the familiar hymns, and listen to a sermon from the pastor I’ve known for 20 years. It’s a beautiful use of technology that has allowed me to stay connected to my spiritual home.
The Best Bible Study App for My Tablet (And It’s Free)
My ‘Seminary’ in My Hand
I wanted to go deeper in my Bible study than just reading. I downloaded the free “Blue Letter Bible” app on my tablet. It’s an incredibly powerful tool. I can be reading a passage, and with a single tap, I can see the original Greek or Hebrew word, read multiple commentaries on that verse, and cross-reference it with other parts of the Bible. It’s like having an entire seminary library at my fingertips, and it has enriched my personal study immensely.
I Joined a Virtual Prayer Group and It’s Been a Blessing
My ‘Circle’ of Support
I was going through a difficult time with a family illness and I felt very alone in my worries. My church organized a “virtual prayer group” that meets once a week via a Zoom video call. We’re a small group of six people. We share our joys and our concerns, and we take time to pray for one another. It has been such a blessing to have this consistent, supportive community to share my burdens with, all without having to leave my home.
The App That Reminds Me to Pray Throughout the Day
My ‘Spiritual’ Nudge
I want to be more intentional about prayer, but in the busyness of the day, I often forget. I downloaded a simple app that allows me to set custom reminders. I have one that pops up at noon every day that just says, “Pause for a moment of prayer and gratitude.” It’s not a loud alarm; it’s just a gentle, silent nudge on my phone’s screen. This simple piece of tech has helped me build a more consistent and mindful prayer practice throughout my day.
How I Use My Smart Speaker to Play Hymns and Devotionals
My ‘On-Demand’ Worship
Some mornings, I just want to fill my house with the peaceful sound of classic hymns. I can just say, “Alexa, play the ‘Sunday Morning Hymns’ playlist on Spotify,” and the room fills with music. I’ve also found a “skill” for my favorite daily devotional. I can just say, “Alexa, read today’s devotional,” and a calm voice will read it to me while I make my coffee. My smart speaker has become a wonderful, voice-activated tool for my daily spiritual life.
The Best Apps for Daily Scripture Readings and Reflections
My ‘Daily Bread,’ Delivered Digitally
I like to start my day with a short scripture reading and reflection. The “YouVersion Bible App” is fantastic for this. It has thousands of different reading plans and devotionals. I’m currently doing a one-year plan that gives me a short passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm each day. It keeps track of my progress and helps me stay consistent in my daily reading habit. It’s a wonderful, free resource for daily spiritual nourishment.
I Found a Great Faith-Based Podcast for My Morning Walk
My ‘Sermon’ on the Go
I love listening to thoughtful sermons, but I’m not always able to attend a mid-week service. I’ve found that many of my favorite pastors and speakers have their own podcasts. I use my podcast app to subscribe to them. Now, on my morning walk, I can listen to an inspiring and challenging 30-minute sermon. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate spiritual learning and reflection into my daily exercise routine.
How to Give to Your Church Securely Online or Through an App
The ‘Digital’ Offering Plate
I don’t carry much cash or a checkbook with me anymore, so I was always forgetting my weekly offering for my church. My church now uses an online giving platform. I can go to their website, click a “Give” button, and make a secure one-time or recurring donation with my credit card. It’s simple, it’s secure, and it allows me to be consistent and intentional with my giving, even if I’m out of town on a Sunday.
I’m Taking an Online Theology Course for Personal Enrichment
My ‘No-Pressure’ Seminary
I’ve always been fascinated by theology, but I don’t have the time or money to go back to school. I found a website called “BiblicalTraining.org” that offers free, seminary-level courses taught by respected professors. I’m currently working my way through an “Introduction to Christian Doctrine” course. I can watch the video lectures at my own pace, and there are no tests or grades. It’s a fantastic, free resource for anyone who wants to deepen their theological understanding for personal enrichment.
The Best App for Meditating on Scripture
My ‘Quiet Time’ Guide
I wanted to move beyond just reading the Bible and learn to meditate on it. I found an app called “Abide.” It’s a Christian meditation app. It has guided meditations that are based on specific Bible stories and verses. A calm voice will read a passage and then gently guide you through a period of reflection and prayer on that text. It has been a wonderful tool for slowing down my mind and focusing on the deeper meaning of scripture.
How to Find a Church or Synagogue That Live-Streams Its Services
My ‘Window’ into Other Traditions
I was curious about what a service at a different type of church was like. I went on YouTube and just searched for “live episcopal church service” or “live baptist church service.” I was amazed at how many churches of every denomination now live-stream their weekly services. It’s been a fascinating and respectful way for me to “visit” other congregations, hear different styles of preaching, and learn about other faith traditions from the comfort of my own home.
I Use a Digital Concordance to Deepen My Bible Study
My ‘Super-Powered’ Study Tool
I was studying a passage in the Bible and wanted to find every other place where a specific word was used. In the old days, I would have had to use a massive, heavy book called a concordance. Now, I use a Bible study app. It has a powerful search tool. I can type in any word, like “grace” or “forgiveness,” and it will instantly show me a list of every single verse in the Bible that contains that word. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for thematic study.
The Best Online Resources for Understanding Different Faith Traditions
My ‘Interfaith’ Education
I wanted to learn more about other world religions, like Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. I found some great online resources. The “Religion” section of the Khan Academy website has fantastic, non-biased video introductions to the core beliefs and practices of major faiths. For a more academic approach, the “Patheos” website has articles and blogs from scholars and practitioners of many different traditions. These sites have been a great resource for my own interfaith education.
I Use a “Digital Rosary” App
My ‘Pocket’ Prayer Beads
I find praying the Rosary to be a very comforting and meditative practice. I downloaded a “digital Rosary” app on my phone. The app guides me through the prayers and the mysteries. It shows beautiful artwork for each mystery, and I can move from one “bead” to the next with a simple swipe. It’s a wonderful tool for when I’m traveling or when I don’t have my physical rosary beads with me. It helps me focus my prayer and meditation wherever I am.
How to Find a Small Group or Bible Study on Your Church’s Website
My ‘Connection’ Point
I was feeling a bit disconnected at my large church, and I wanted to join a smaller group. I went to my church’s website and looked for a “Ministries” or “Get Connected” tab. They had a page that listed all the different small groups and Bible studies, with information on when and where they met and what they were studying. I was able to find a daytime Bible study group for seniors and send an email to the leader right from the website.
The Best App for Reading the Torah with Commentaries
My ‘Chavruta’ on a Tablet
I love studying the weekly Torah portion. I use an app that provides the Hebrew text, an English translation, and a selection of classic commentaries all on one screen. As I’m reading the text, I can tap a verse and instantly see the commentary from Rashi or Ramban. It’s like having a traditional “chavruta” (study partner) right on my tablet, helping me to delve deeper into the meaning and interpretation of the text.
I Follow My Favorite Pastors and Spiritual Leaders on Social Media
My ‘Daily’ Dose of Inspiration
In addition to my own pastor, there are a few other spiritual leaders and writers whose work I really admire. I follow them on Facebook or Instagram. It’s a nice way to get a small, daily dose of inspiration in my social media feed. They’ll often post a short, encouraging thought, a link to a new sermon, or an interesting article. It’s a simple way to keep their wisdom and perspective as a regular part of my week.
The Best Quran Reading and Exploration Apps
My ‘Gateway’ to Understanding
I wanted to learn more about the Quran. I downloaded an app that provides the full text in beautiful Arabic script, alongside a clear English translation. The best feature is the high-quality audio recitation from a renowned Qari (reciter). I can listen to the beautiful sound of the recitation while I read the translation. The app also has tafsir (commentary) and a powerful search function. It’s been an invaluable and respectful tool for my personal study and understanding.
How to Access a Huge Library of Sermons Online
My ‘On-Demand’ Pulpit
There are a few preachers I love to listen to, but they’re from churches all over the country. I use a podcast app and websites like “SermonAudio.com.” I can search for a specific pastor, church, or even a topic, and find thousands of sermons available to listen to for free. It’s like a massive, on-demand library of great preaching. If I’m struggling with a particular issue, I can find a sermon that speaks directly to it.
I Use the YouVersion Bible App. Here are My Favorite Features.
My ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for Scripture
The YouVersion Bible App is my go-to. It’s more than just a digital Bible. My favorite feature is the ability to easily switch between dozens of different translations to get a better sense of a verse’s meaning. I also love that I can highlight a verse and it will create a beautiful, shareable image with the text on it. And the “Verse of the Day” feature is a great way to start my morning with a moment of reflection.
The Best Tech for Leading a Small Group Study Over Video Call
My ‘Virtual’ Living Room
I lead a small Bible study group, and some of our members are now homebound. We’ve started using Zoom to include everyone. The “screen sharing” feature is the most valuable tool. I can share my screen and we can all look at the same passage of scripture or a study guide together. The “breakout rooms” feature is also great for splitting us into smaller groups for more intimate discussion and prayer. It’s helped us keep our community connected, no matter where we are physically.
How I Use a Digital Journal for My Prayers and Gratitude
My ‘Conversation’ with God
I used to keep a handwritten prayer journal, but my hand would get tired. I’ve started using a simple journaling app on my tablet. Each morning, I write out my prayers for the day. I also have a section where I list three things I’m grateful for. Because it’s digital, I can easily search back through my old entries and see how my prayers have been answered over time. It’s a wonderful, private record of my spiritual journey.
The Best Apps for Learning Biblical Greek or Hebrew
The ‘Original Language’ Lens
I wanted to understand the Bible in its original languages, which seemed like an impossible task. I found an app that uses a “gamified” approach to learning Biblical Greek. It uses flashcards, simple quizzes, and spaced repetition to help me memorize the alphabet and basic vocabulary. I’m not going to become a professional translator, but learning even a little bit of the original language has given me a much richer and more nuanced appreciation for the text.
I Found a Wonderful Online Community for People of My Faith
My ‘Kindred Spirits’
I’m a member of a smaller faith denomination, and there aren’t many other members in my local area. I found a private Facebook group specifically for people of my faith. It’s a community of thousands of people from all over the world. We can discuss our unique theology, share resources, and offer each other support. It has been a huge blessing to find this online community of kindred spirits who understand my specific faith tradition.
How to Download a Digital Copy of Your Favorite Sacred Text for Offline Reading
My ‘Airplane Mode’ Scripture
I love to read my Bible on my tablet, but I was worried about not being able to access it when I’m on a plane or somewhere without Wi-Fi. In my YouVersion Bible App, I found a “Download” option for my favorite translations. I was able to download the entire text of the NIV and the KJV directly to my device. Now, I can read and study scripture anytime, anywhere, regardless of whether I have an internet connection.
The App That Provides a “Verse of the Day” to My Phone’s Home Screen
My ‘Moment of Grace’
I wanted a simple, daily reminder of my faith. I downloaded a Bible app that has a “widget” feature. A widget is a little interactive box that I can place on my phone’s main home screen. Now, every time I unlock my phone, the first thing I see is the “Verse of the Day,” beautifully displayed. It’s a small, passive way to ensure that a piece of scripture is a part of my visual landscape throughout the day.
How I Use YouTube for Worship Music Playlists
My ‘Personal Hymnal’
Sometimes I just want to listen to worship music while I’m doing things around the house. I’ve found that YouTube is an incredible resource. I can search for my favorite hymns and create a playlist of all the best versions. I’ve also found “live worship” sessions from churches around the world that are incredibly moving. It’s a free and endless source of beautiful, uplifting music that I can access anytime.
The Best Online Tools for Creating a Sermon or Lesson
My ‘Study’ and My ‘Stage’
I occasionally teach an adult Sunday school class. I use a few key digital tools to prepare. I use the Blue Letter Bible app for my deep, scholarly research and word studies. Then, I use Google Slides (a free presentation software) to outline my lesson and create simple, visual aids. I can then connect my laptop to the TV in our classroom to present the lesson. This combination of tools helps me prepare and deliver a more organized and engaging lesson.
I Use an App to Find Volunteer Opportunities Through My Faith Community
My ‘Faith in Action’
My faith calls me to serve others. I used an app called “JustServe,” which connects faith-based volunteers with local community service projects. I was able to find a local food bank that needed help sorting donations, and a project to clean up a local park. It’s a wonderful tool that helps me put my faith into action and make a tangible difference in my own community.
The Best Apps for Guided Christian Meditation and Contemplative Prayer
‘Be Still and Know’
I wanted a way to quiet my mind and focus on prayer. I found an app called “Lectio 365.” Each day, it provides a 10-minute guided audio session. It walks you through a simple “P.R.A.Y.” framework: Pausing to be still, Rejoicing with a Psalm, Asking for God’s help, and Yielding to His will for your life. It’s a beautiful, contemplative practice that has brought a new depth and stillness to my prayer life.
How to Find the Lectionary Readings for the Day Online
My ‘Daily’ Office
My church follows the Revised Common Lectionary for its Sunday readings. I like to read and reflect on the passages ahead of time. I’ve bookmarked the Vanderbilt Divinity Library’s lectionary page. Every week, it has the upcoming Sunday’s readings, as well as short, insightful commentaries on the passages. It’s a fantastic, free resource for anyone who wants to engage more deeply with the weekly cycle of scripture.
I Donated to a Faith-Based Charity Safely on Their Website
My ‘Cheerful’ and ‘Secure’ Giving
A natural disaster occurred, and I wanted to donate to a faith-based relief organization. I went directly to the website of a charity I trust, like Samaritan’s Purse or World Vision. I clicked their “Donate” button and made sure the page was secure (with the https:// and padlock icon). Using my credit card on their official, secure website is the safest way to ensure my donation goes to the people who need it, and not to a scammer.
The Best Way to Keep Up with Church Announcements and Events
The ‘Digital’ Bulletin
I was always losing the paper bulletin from my church’s Sunday service. Now, my church has a simple app. The app has a calendar of all the upcoming events, a digital version of the weekly bulletin, and it even sends out push notifications for important reminders, like a change in a Bible study’s location. It’s the easiest and most reliable way for me to stay in the loop with everything that’s happening in my church community.
I Use an App to Help Me Memorize Scripture
My ‘Hidden’ Word
I wanted to memorize a few key Bible verses that are important to me. I use a flashcard app called “Anki.” I can create my own digital flashcards. On the front, I put the verse reference (e.g., “John 3:16”). On the back, I put the full text of the verse. The app’s “spaced repetition” system shows me the cards at the perfect interval to help the verses stick in my long-term memory. It’s a very effective tool for hiding God’s word in my heart.
How to Find Digital Versions of Your Favorite Devotional Books
My ‘Library’ of Devotionals
I love the classic devotional “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. I was happy to discover that I could get a digital version of it for my Kindle app. Now I have that and several other of my favorite devotional books all on my tablet. It’s so convenient for travel, and I can increase the font size to make it comfortable to read. Many classic devotionals are also available for free on websites and through the YouVersion app.
The Best App for Tracking Prayer Requests and Praises
My ‘Spiritual’ Ledger
I’m part of a prayer chain, and it can be hard to keep track of all the different requests. I started using a simple prayer list app. I can create an entry for each prayer request, and I can even set a reminder to pray for that specific person or situation each day. The best part is that I can also add a “Praise Report” when a prayer is answered. Looking back at the list of answered prayers is a powerful encouragement and a great reminder of God’s faithfulness.
I Used a Genealogy Site to Trace My Religious Ancestry
My ‘Faith’ Family Tree
While doing research on Ancestry.com, I started paying attention to the religious information in the historical records. I was able to find baptismal records for my great-grandparents from a specific Lutheran church in Germany. I also found census records where my ancestors listed their religious affiliation. It’s been a fascinating way to trace not just my family tree, but the history of my family’s faith, and to feel a connection to the spiritual heritage that was passed down to me.
How to Find Spiritual Direction or Counseling Online
My ‘Soul’ Care, Through a Screen
I was looking for a spiritual director to talk with about my faith journey. I found a website for a spiritual direction organization that has a directory of certified directors. I was able to find a director who offered sessions via video call. We now meet once a month on Zoom. It has been a wonderfully convenient and accessible way to get the confidential spiritual guidance and support that I was seeking.
The Best Apps for Buddhist Meditation and Teachings
My ‘Path’ to Mindfulness
I’ve become interested in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. I’ve found a few apps to be very helpful. “Insight Timer” has a huge library of free guided meditations from various Buddhist traditions. For learning the core teachings, the “Plum Village” app has guided meditations and dharma talks from Thich Nhat Hanh’s community. These apps have been a gentle and accessible introduction to a rich spiritual tradition.
I Took a Virtual Pilgrimage of the Holy Land
My ‘Armchair’ Journey to Jerusalem
I’ve always dreamed of visiting the Holy Land, but a physical trip is not possible for me. I found a series of high-quality virtual tours on YouTube. A guide on the ground in Israel walked me through the streets of Jerusalem, showed me the Sea of Galilee, and explained the history and significance of each site. With high-definition video and Google Earth fly-overs, it was a surprisingly immersive and moving spiritual experience that I could take from my own home.
The Best Way to Share an Inspiring Verse or Quote as a Beautiful Image
My ‘Digital’ Encouragement
When a Bible verse really speaks to me, I like to share it with my friends. The YouVersion Bible App has a wonderful feature for this. I can highlight any verse, and then tap “Create Image.” The app lets me choose from a variety of beautiful background images and stylish fonts. It then creates a lovely, shareable image that I can send as a text message or post on my social media. It’s a simple way to share a moment of inspiration beautifully.
I Use a “Digital Prayer Shawl” Group to Pray for Others
My ‘Knitting’ for a Cause
Our church has a prayer shawl ministry, where we knit shawls for people who are sick or grieving. We have a private Facebook group where people can post prayer requests. When a new request comes in, we all start knitting and praying for that person. We share photos of our progress and offer words of encouragement. It’s a beautiful way to use technology to organize our ministry and to tangibly wrap someone in prayer, even if we can’t be with them physically.
How to Find Faith-Based Movies on Netflix and Other Services
My ‘Family-Friendly’ Movie Night
My wife and I are always looking for good, faith-based or family-friendly movies to watch. On Netflix, I’ve learned that you can search by genre, but you can also search for more specific terms like “Christian films” or “faith and spirituality.” I’ve also discovered a streaming service called “Pure Flix” which specializes exclusively in this type of content. It’s been a great resource for finding uplifting and inspiring entertainment.
The Best Apps for Following a Religious Calendar (Like Lent or Ramadan)
My ‘Rhythm’ of the Year
I try to follow the seasons of the Christian calendar. I use an app that provides the daily readings and prayers for seasons like Advent and Lent. Similarly, for my Muslim friends, I know there are apps that provide daily prayer times, a compass to find the direction of Mecca (Qibla), and trackers for the holy month of Ramadan. These apps are wonderful tools for helping a person stay connected to the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of their faith tradition.
I Use a Note-Taking App to Keep My Sermon Notes Organized
My ‘Sermon’ Archive
I love to take notes during my pastor’s sermons, but my paper notebooks were a disorganized mess. I’ve started using a note-taking app like Evernote on my tablet. I create a new note for each Sunday. I can type my notes, and the best part is that they are all searchable. If I want to remember what my pastor said about a specific verse a few months ago, I can just search for it and instantly find my notes. It’s created a powerful, personal archive of all the teaching I’ve received.
How to Find Kid-Friendly Bible Stories and Apps for Grandchildren
The ‘Next Generation’ of Sunday School
I want to share my faith with my young grandchildren in a way that is engaging for them. I downloaded the “Bible App for Kids” on my tablet. It has animated, interactive Bible stories that they absolutely love. The stories are faithful to the text but presented in a fun, cartoon format. It’s a fantastic tool for introducing the next generation to the stories of the Bible in a medium that they understand and enjoy.
The Best Interfaith Dialogue Forums and Websites
My ‘Bridge’ to Understanding
I believe it’s important to understand the beliefs of my neighbors. I’ve found some great online forums for respectful interfaith dialogue. The “r/religion” community on Reddit has surprisingly thoughtful discussions. Websites that focus on comparative religion have also been a great resource. These platforms have allowed me to ask questions and learn from people of different faiths in a moderated, respectful environment, which has helped me build bridges of understanding.
I Follow a Monastery’s Live Stream of Their Daily Offices
My ‘Moment of Zen’
My life can feel very hectic. I’ve found a source of incredible peace by following the live stream of a Benedictine monastery. A few times a day, they stream their “Daily Office,” which is a simple service of chanted psalms and prayers. I can just have it playing in the background while I work. The sound of the quiet, contemplative chanting brings a sense of stillness and holiness into my home and helps me re-center my day.
The Best Way to Combat Trolls in a Faith-Based Facebook Group
‘Do Not Feed the Trolls’
I help moderate my church’s Facebook group. Occasionally, a “troll” will show up and start posting inflammatory or abusive comments. We’ve learned the best way to handle it. The first rule is: “Don’t feed the trolls.” We don’t argue with them. We have a firm policy to simply delete the offensive comment and then immediately block and ban the user from the group. This keeps our online space safe, positive, and focused on its purpose.
How Technology Has Unexpectedly Strengthened My Faith
My ‘Digital’ Discipleship
I never would have thought that a smartphone or a computer could strengthen my faith, but it has. Through a Bible app, I’m more consistent in my daily reading than ever before. Through podcasts, I can listen to world-class teachers while I do the dishes. And through a virtual prayer group, I’ve found a deep sense of community and support. Technology, when used intentionally, has not been a distraction from my faith; it has become one of the primary tools for my discipleship.