Questions, plainly.
Short answers about app blocking, Bible apps, platform permissions, privacy, and how Prayer First helps put Scripture before the scroll.
Downloads and platforms.
Is Prayer First available on Android and iPhone?
Yes. Prayer First is available on Google Play for Android and the App Store for iPhone.
Where do I download Prayer First?
Use the store buttons on the download page. Android users should use Google Play, and iPhone users should use the App Store.
Does Prayer First work differently on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Android uses Accessibility Service and Usage Access for selected app detection and shield display. iOS uses Apple's Screen Time APIs, so app selection, permissions, and shielding behavior are shaped by Apple's platform.
Is Prayer First free to start?
Free access keeps the core habit available. Paid Power Pack features can add unlimited protected apps, custom windows, and optional cloud assist after consent.
Blocking and habits.
What makes Prayer First a Christian app blocker?
It is built around a Christian replacement habit rather than a generic pause. When a selected distraction opens during your lock rule, Prayer First asks for Scripture, physical Bible time, or a journal line before the feed.
Can I choose which apps are blocked?
Yes. You choose the ordinary apps that tend to own your attention. Most people start with Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, Facebook, Snapchat, Threads, or games.
Can Prayer First be bypassed?
Yes. Prayer First is a gentle gate, not a prison. You can change rules, disable permissions, shorten the lock window, or uninstall the app. The goal is to make the better reach easier, not to trap you.
Why not just use Apple Screen Time or Android Digital Wellbeing?
Built-in tools can help, but they usually focus on limits. Prayer First focuses on order: the feed waits until a Scripture-first action comes first. It can sit alongside built-in screen time tools rather than replace every limit you use.
Bible apps and physical Bible.
Does Prayer First work with YouVersion?
Yes. YouVersion is the main supported Bible app. The current Android source list also includes ESV Bible, Olive Tree, Logos, Dwell Bible, Lectio 365, and Hallow.
Can I use a paper Bible instead of a Bible app?
Yes. The physical Bible timer lets you set the phone down and read from a paper Bible. When the timer completes, Prayer First can mark the habit done for the active rule.
What if my Bible app is not listed?
Use the physical Bible timer or journal path, then send the app name to the maker. Supported app requests help decide what to test next.
Does Prayer First read my Bible notes?
No. Prayer First is not trying to become your Bible app. During normal use, journal entries, photos, selected app lists, and unlock decisions are designed to stay on the phone.
Privacy and permissions.
Why does Android need Accessibility Service?
Android app blockers need a way to notice when a selected app comes to the foreground and to place a shield over it. Prayer First uses Accessibility Service for that blocking purpose, not to read screen content or capture keystrokes.
What does iOS Screen Time permission allow?
It lets Prayer First use Apple's FamilyControls, DeviceActivity, and ManagedSettings APIs. Selected apps are represented by opaque Screen Time tokens rather than readable app names.
What data leaves my device?
Normal journal entries, photos, lock rules, selected app lists, and unlock decisions stay on the phone. Optional Power Pack cloud features send selected journal text or photos only after consent. Limited anonymous analytics may be used for product health.
Is Prayer First for monitoring someone else?
No. Prayer First is built as a personal Scripture-first habit tool, not a surveillance or accountability product. It does not publish your app choices or journal entries to another person.