Having prayer as part of my daily routine is something that I’ve always struggled with. Fortunately, as technology has evolved, and as I’ve gotten to know more about myself and my preferences (e.g., the best time for me to pray, the fact that I find it easier to listen to a Scripture reflection or devotional rather than read it, etc.), there are plenty of options out there for anyone who wants to make quality time with God a priority.

(Interested in some lectionary-based podcasts? Go here to see my round-up of podcasts to help you reflect on the Sunday readings.)

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#1) Praying With the Sisters by A Nun’s Life Ministry

Praying with the Sisters is an opportunity to reflect on the Scripture of the day and to share prayer requests and prayers of thanksgiving with women and men from around the world. The podcast is a live prayer podcast, at 5 p.m. EST and takes place on all weekdays except Wednesdays when Ask Sister or In Good Faith airs.

• To join the sisters for prayer, go here at the scheduled time.
  

#2) Daily Disconnect by the Carmelites

The Daily Disconnect is an opportunity for contemplation everyday that is structured like a conversation you can do in less than 8 minutes via your phone, tablet, computer etc. In a sense we’re inviting you to use the most modern technology available to connect to an opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of the moment and participate in an ancient, timeless conversation with a friend.

• To subscribe to their podcast, click here.

#3) Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours of the Roman Catholic Church by DivineOffice.org

Daily scripture readings, psalms, and prayers that follow in the ancient traditions of the Church. From ancient times the Church has had the custom of celebrating each day the liturgy of the hours. In this way the Church fulfills the Lord’s precept to pray without ceasing, at once offering praise to God the Father and interceding for the salvation of the world. For this expressed purpose, the recordings of the Hours presented here are intended to expand awareness of this Liturgy, introduce and practice the structure of this prayer, and to assist in the recitation of the Liturgy in small groups, domestic prayer and where common celebration is not possible.

• To subscribe to the podcast for free, click here.
• To follow along with the text of the Liturgy of the Hours on your computer for free, click here.
• To listen and pray the Liturgy of the Hours on the go, download the Divine Office app for $19.99 by clicking here.
• Don’t need to pray the complete Liturgy of the Hours? Check out the Divine Office Lite apps (scroll to the bottom for a description of each prayer):
  • Morning Prayer (Lauds) – $3.99
  • Evening Prayer (Vespers) – $2.99
  • Night Prayer (Compline) – FREE

#4) Review of the Day by Jesuit Media Initiatives

In addition to the popular Pray As You Go resource, another great way to include prayer in your daily life is the Examen (especially if you feel more inclined to pray at night!). This prayer of review is a short reflection back over the day, recalling events and taking note of your feelings. The purpose is to become more aware of the ways in which God has been present to you, the times when the Holy Spirit was drawing you towards life.

• To listen to the audio of an Examen, click here. They even have options for children and young adults!

#5) Sharing the Word by Franciscan Media

Sharing the Word is a daily 90-second radio homily by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, based on the weekday Mass readings. Sharing the Word is a companion to the Sunday Soundbite, and is also heard on Catholic radio stations around the country.

• To listen to the audio, click here.

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