What is PrayerFirst used for?

PrayerFirst is an Android and iOS app blocker that keeps distracting apps locked until you read Scripture in a Bible app, time a physical Bible reading, or write a journal line. It is a good fit for starting the morning with Scripture instead of the feed and reading from a paper Bible while apps stay blocked.

Yes. PrayerFirst has a free plan.

Is PrayerFirst open source?

No. PrayerFirst is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, Obtainium and NetNewsWire.

What are some alternatives to PrayerFirst?

PrayerFirst competes with Freedom and Forest.

PrayerFirst: features, pricing and alternatives

About PrayerFirst

Prayer First puts a gate in front of the apps that tend to start your day, such as Instagram, TikTok, Reels, X, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat. When you try to open one, a still screen appears and asks you to do one thing first: read Scripture or write a short journal line.

The unlock options are flexible. It works with Bible apps you already use, including YouVersion, Olive Tree and Logos, counting reading that meets a threshold you configure. If you read a paper Bible instead, you start a timer, set the phone down, and the gate lifts when it finishes.

The app is available on Google Play and the App Store from Beforescroll Studio. You choose which apps to lock within the limit your plan allows, and a Power Pack upgrade removes the app-slot limit entirely. The site also includes a manifesto, a FAQ and articles.

Key features

Locks chosen apps until a reading is done
Works with YouVersion, Olive Tree and Logos
Physical Bible timer as an unlock option
Short journal entry as an unlock option
Android and iOS apps
Power Pack removes the app-slot limit

Good fit for

Starting the morning with Scripture instead of the feed
Reading from a paper Bible while apps stay blocked

Tags: bible; app-blocker; christian; android; ios; habit; screen-time

PrayerFirst: questions and answers

What is PrayerFirst used for?: PrayerFirst is an Android and iOS app blocker that keeps distracting apps locked until you read Scripture in a Bible app, time a physical Bible reading, or write a journal line. It is a good fit for starting the morning with Scripture instead of the feed and reading from a paper Bible while apps stay blocked.
Is PrayerFirst free?: Yes. PrayerFirst has a free plan.
Is PrayerFirst open source?: No. PrayerFirst is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, Obtainium and NetNewsWire.
What are some alternatives to PrayerFirst?: PrayerFirst competes with Freedom and Forest.