App Review: Lectio 365

Lectio 365
Apple/Android
Free

Lectio 365 aims to help you ‘pray the Bible every day’ and has quickly established itself as one of the most popular Christian apps in the UK since its launch at Advent 2019. Its name and format is inspired by the ancient practice of meditating on Scripture, Lectio Divina (Latin for ‘divine reading’).

Each day there is a morning reflection, following four stages, P.R.A.Y: Pause; Rejoice with a Psalm and Reflect on Scripture; Ask for God’s help; Yield to His will. Each day’s reflection appears as a written text, but is also offered read aloud by the author, with an accompanying instrumental soundtrack. There are certain prayers and phrases that appear everyday to structure the reflection. The recording takes no more than 10 minutes.

Created by Pete Greig and 24-7 Prayer, all the Lectio 365 reflections are written by 24-7 Prayer team members or guests. Generally there is an author/theme for the week and apparently these focus on 24-7 Prayer’s six core values: prayer, mission, justice, creativity, hospitality and learning. In the short time I’ve listened, I’ve found these engaging, encouraging and accessible. Naturally with an app like this, I guess much will depend on the writers. To my knowledge, the reflections rarely work through a Bible book over an extended period, but are more thematic. I’ve got friends who are avid fans, friends who dip in and out (especially when they’re ‘on the go’ and value a spoken reflection), and friends who’ve found it ‘hit and miss’.

Since April 2021, there is also a daily Night Prayer reflection, based on the Examen pattern of prayer. This has a contemplative feel and has four elements: Reflect; Rejoice; Repent; Rest.

Lectio 265 is an incredible resource, especially given it is free. The desire to help busy people create ‘holy rhythms’, and the prayerful spirit in which Scripture is approached, make it a real gift. As with many apps, the reflections can be downloaded in advance and reminder notifications can also be set. I especially love Greig’s opening prayer, used at the beginning of each morning reflection: ‘As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.’

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A version of this article was first published here in the June 2021 Issue of Evangelicals Now and is shared here with permission. EN is a monthly newspaper published in print and online, offering a biblical perspective on current issues and insight on what’s happening with God’s people worldwide. Online subscription is just £10 p/a with print & online combined for just £18. Order a free sample or subscribe here.