In our fast-paced, on-the-go culture, devotional apps are a great way to get time in God’s word. For busy women who want to deepen their relationship with God, these apps are a God-send.
But with so many apps, Bible plans and amazing resources out there, the choices can be overwhelming. Rather than throw your hands up in the air, read on for a list of my favorite go-to devotional apps along with recommendations from women just like you.
I’ll admit that there are too many good devotional apps to list here, so instead I’m including the ones I find myself going back to time and again — especially when I’m short on time.
Devotional Apps for the Woman on the Go
1. Lectio 365
Lectio 365 is a free daily devotional resource that helps you pray the Bible every day. Tune into God’s presence and peace by slowing down, meditating on scripture, listening to God and praying for 10 minutes at the beginning and end of each day.
I hadn’t heard about this app until one of my classmates at Peacock Soul Care Institute mentioned it. Since then, it has become my go-to devotional app for my mornings with Jesus. I love how it forces me to intentionally slow down, which is what many of us need when it feels like we are constantly on the go.
The morning devotions are inspired by Lectio Divina, a way of meditating on the Bible that’s been used by Christians for centuries. There are daily Bible readings, thoughts and prayers that follow a simple P.R.A.Y rhythm:
P:ause to be still.
R:ejoice with a Psalm and R:eflect on Scripture.
A:sk for God’s help
Y:ield to His will in your life.
Like most devotional apps, Lectio 365 is available for both Apple and Android devices.
2. YouVersion
The YouVersion Bible app has been around probably as long as smart phones have been. So, it’s very likely that you’ve heard of YouVersion and maybe even have it on your phone. But did you know that this popular app also has devotional plans as well?
This is what I love about YouVersion — the ability to sign up for Bible reading plans right on your phone. For me this is where the real magic happens.
Following a Bible plan takes the guess work out of what to read, especially on those busy mornings. I love waking up knowing exactly what I’m going to focus on and the continuity of studying a particular topic or book.
There’s also a feature where you can search for Bible plans based on what you’re feeling. Feeling discouraged? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Just type that into the search and it will recommend a plan for you.
The You Version Bible app will also offer suggestions on topics such as love, depression, healing, anger and hope, to name a few. And be sure to check out their very popular Verse of the Day stories.
3. First 5 app
This devotional app by Proverbs 31 Ministries is another great option for you. These short but power-packed devotionals include scripture verses, beautiful images, and devotional thoughts, followed by a prayer.
The First 5 app also leads you systematically through a book of the Bible, so you can actually read the entire Bible using this app. You can use the free app by itself or dig a little deeper by purchasing their Experience Guides.
With its goal of putting “God first by giving Him the first 5 minutes of each day”, I’ll bet First 5 will become one of your favorite devotional apps too.
4. Beloved Women App
Another top-rated devotional app is the Beloved Women app by Beloved Women Ministries. Like the previous apps I mentioned, you can get the Beloved Women app for Apple and Android devices.
The Beloved Women app features a daily Bible verse, short encouragement, a prayer and reflective question. Altogether it’s short enough for those mornings you’re short on time, it’s still deep enough for you to ponder throughout the day.
Each daily devotional features a different writer so you’ll likely experience a fresh take on God’s Word each day.
So, those are my top picks: Lectio 365, YouVersion Bible plans, First 5 App and Beloved Women App.
But, to give you a more rounded view, I’ve also asked some friends to chime in with their favorite devotional apps. Here are their top picks are below — some are the same and some I didn’t include in my list. Let’s see which one is your fave.
But wait…
Are you Looking for a Devotional Book instead?
I get it, not everyone loves devotional apps as much as I do. Sometimes all you want is a devotional book that will help you stay in God’s word on those busy days. That’s why I wrote Time to Thrive: A Busy Woman’s Devotional Journal.
With daily devotions covering all of the core life areas you’ll be reminded that God cares about every aspect of your busy life. In just 15 minutes a day, you will connect to the heart of God and move from overwhelm to peace, and from distracted living to a life full of passion and purpose.
Grab the Time to Thrive devotional book here and get the first week of audio devotionals as a bonus!
Now, let’s move on to those devotional app recommendations I mentioned.
Best devotional apps recommended FOR women By women
These busy women know that devotional apps can be your friend when you want to carve out time for God in your day. Each woman I asked shared her favorite app and the reason she loves it. I bet you’ll find your favorite one here too!
Alice Stanford recommends:
The Bible in one year
The Bible in One Year is a free Bible reading app with commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. It’s available on both Apple and Android devices.
Alice loves it because “you can listen to or read the passages and it takes you right through the Bible”.
Alice is the editor and main author at Me Set Free. She is passionate about Christ, (and chocolate and crochet.) She has done a variety of jobs, including: being a children’s and families worker and a teaching assistant. She has a degree in applied theology, and hopes this helps her share and live out Gods message of salvation, hope and freedom in all situations.
Quantrilla Ard Recommends:
Devotable, Beloved Women, Revive Our Hearts and First 5
Yes, all four! Quantrilla says, “They all speak to me in different ways as a Christian woman and they vary in voice from a diverse group of writers which is very important to me as a writer from a marginalized background.”
Which of Quantrilla’s favorite devotional apps will you pick?
Quantrilla (Quanny) Ard is a faith-based personal and spiritual development writer who lives in the DC Metro area with her husband and three littles. In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, she is a entrepreneur, doctoral student, and curator of all things lovely. She writes as the PhDMamma about things she knows to be true in hopes to encourage others to do the same.
CarlIE Lake Recommends:
First 5 and Beloved Women
Carlie loves both of these devotional apps. When asked what she loves about First 5 she said she “really appreciates that their devotions, while short, don’t compromise God’s Word”. It takes her through the entire Bible “chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Plus the weekend teachings are fantastic for digging deeper”.
She also recommends Beloved Women because “it’s a great source of encouragement for the busy woman. Even when you don’t have a lot of time, the Beloved Women app will point you back to the Scriptures”.
Carlie is a Caribbean-living Christian, wife of 28 years and mother of two teens. A clinical pharmacist turned home-educator, she has embraced the adventure of a life lived well for God and longs to display His splendor in her everyday walk. She recently released her debut devotional book, Live Amazed — Embracing the Gifts of God in Longing, Loss and Life. Connect with Carlie at her blog From Dust Towards the Heavens where she writes about her adventures with God.
Dianne Thornton Recommends:
First 5 App
Why First 5? Dianne says: “It’s 5 minutes! But I love it because it’s not “light.” I mean, it’s not difficult at all. But it’s full of meat with some good questions. The entries are written well with real life examples. They also include an extra “more” section if you have time. You can go through the whole Bible with them!”
Dianne is married to her best friend and is mom to three young adults on their way to independence. Dianne’s passion is connecting with God through His Word–the Source of Life, Love, and Truth. She knows that true satisfaction is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and shares with women how they can experience that, too. You can connect with Dianne on her blog, Sweeter Than Honey
Johanna Henderson recommends:
YouVersion
When asked about her favorite devotional app, Johanna said, “I love YouVersion for the Bible verses. I love listening through the Bible and it gives me my daily so that I can listen to the Bible in a chronological way in one year! They also have a lot of Bible studies to do through the app. And I’ve done so many that have enriched my life and the lives of my children.”
Johanna is a believer in Jesus, wife, momma to three boys, lover of writing, journaling, homeschooler, graphic designer, and lover of yummy coffee. She writes at Devoted to Maker and is author of Hedge of Protection — A Counterfeit Covering.
Carly Beth Webber recommends:
First 5
Carly likes First 5 because it “literally takes 5 minutes! But if you want to dive deeper you can. It’s nice to have something I can do quickly and still get a lot out of, or take further if I’d like to.”
Carly is a wife, mom and Life Breakthrough Coach. Life has thrown her a few curveballs (including divorce and special needs children) which hit hard and almost took her down. But she’s still standing; standing here to tell you that there is life and there is hope right in the middle of the hard. She believes there is joy right here, even when you’re feeling sidelined, and she wants to help you believe it too.
Katie Jones recommends
YouVersion
Katie says, “I love doing the reading plans on the YouVersion Bible app. I love that I can do them alone or do it with someone. My husband and I enjoy doing the reading plans together because we don’t always have the time to be together to do a devotional”.
Katie is married to a very supportive husband who works as a youth pastor. They own over 200 board games, watch way too many movies, love camping in the Rocky Mountains, and enjoy traveling the world. You can connect with Katie on her website Agape Invests.
Now, it’s your turn
You’ve read the recommendations but perhaps you have one of your own. Or maybe you found your go-to devotional app after reading this post. Either way, I’d love to hear from you, so drop me a note in the comments.
Of all the devotional apps, which one is your favorite and why?
And don’t be shy! Go ahead and use the buttons below to share this with a friend so she can find her favorite devotional app too.
So many wonderful recommendations Marva! My favorite is Youversion because I can tailor the devotions to my needs at the time, and they are not too long. I’m going to look into the First 5 app. I’ve never heard of it, and it had so many recommendations.
There are so many cool devotional apps out there that I need to try out! Thanks for putting this together.
I agree, Katie. Thanks for weighing in and sharing your favorite with us.