App’s readings and prayers are perfect for Lent and to share with friends
by Beth Waltemath | Presbyterian News Service
The Daily Prayer app has a new look and its contents align with the 2018 Book of Common Worship.
An updated version of the PC(USA)’s Daily Prayer app is now available for Apple, Android and Amazon devices. The app has been downloaded more than 10,000 times since its debut in 2012. This is the first significant update to the app, and it comes in response to requests to have the new version match the latest (2018) version of the Book of Common Worship.
The app also has “a new look,” said the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, associate for Worship at the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Theology & Worship. The app’s artwork has been changed to reflect the art in the 2018 Book of Common Worship from Memphis artist Martha Kelly.
The Daily Prayer app provides brief services for daily prayer, including psalms for the day, readings from the daily lectionary, and prayers of thanksgiving and intercession. Also included are the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Sundays and festivals, a two-year cycle of selections from the PC(USA) Book of Confessions, and an eight-week schedule for praying all 150 psalms. Readers can choose between weekly readings of the Revised Common Lectionary or a two-year cycle of daily readings when praying along with the app.
Advanced features allow users of the Daily Prayer app to customize their readings and to share prayers with others.
The app provides liturgies for morning, midday, evening and night prayers, selecting the appropriate service and lectionary readings based on the time and date settings of a user’s device. The calendar tool allows users to find psalms, readings and prayers for other dates.
“This is a good time for people to use the app as we approach the season of Lent, when people are looking for regular, daily disciplines,” Gambrell said.
Lent begins Feb. 14 with Ash Wednesday.
Gambrell also noted the enhanced sharing features. “If you want to share a prayer or reading via email, text or social media, you can do that.” The app’s easy accessibility for daily use and this messaging feature helps users develop spiritual practices and connections. Soon after its debut in 2012, “the app rated No. 19 in the most popular lifestyle apps,” said Gambrell, who still jokes that “it’s not just a spiritual discipline, but also a popular lifestyle choice.”
The app, which costs $2.99, can be downloaded here.
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