Six months ago, Christ the King entered into a partnership with Hallow, a Catholic prayer app. As a parish, we have prayed together through the Advent and Lent challenges, and supported one another through shared prayer intentions. But Hallow is more than a Lenten practice. Have you discovered what it can do for your prayer life year-round?
So often, we respond to the uncertainties of life by throwing ourselves into our work — packing our schedules, checking off our to-do lists. The brief satisfaction of crossing something off fades quickly, and we find ourselves back on the hamster wheel, grasping for a peace that seems out of reach.
Scripture offers a different way. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). Jesus promises a peace “not as the world gives it” (John 14:27) but “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The path to that peace is not another item on the to-do list. It is simply time with Him, every day.
That is what Hallow is designed to help us do. As Jennifer Miller wrote in Catholic Culture: “Hallow is an app that gives the tools for people to slow down and put God in their daily lives, and learn what real prayer is — being in the presence of God, listening and talking with Him. But the greater emphasis here is listening. Hallow encourages putting aside time for God throughout the day.”
Our parishioners bear that out. Christian Highlander has been listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year and says it has transformed his understanding of the faith. “Learning the Bible helps you understand why Jesus is so important to us. I think it’s important for every Catholic to learn the Bible and try to spend time in it every single day.” MaryAnn has found the daily Gospel reflections by Jeff Cavins equally formative, saying they help her understand the readings in a way she hadn’t before: “Hallow has been a tool to enhance my spiritual life.”
The app meets people where they are. High schooler Brady Rhea says Hallow has “improved my relationship with God because it helps me see things from a new perspective.” Sherine Green, our Director of Evangelization, turns to sacred music to center herself before prayer: “it helps me to be more intentional.” And MaryAnn, who once fell asleep to the television, now drifts off to a Bible story — a small change with a quietly profound effect.
All of them endorse the app. Brady recommends Hallow “to anyone who is trying to deepen their faith.” MaryAnn has passed it along to friends and family who told her they did not know how to pray outside of Mass.
This summer, consider making one small change: set aside a few minutes each day for God. Hallow can be an excellent way to start. Find instructions for joining by scanning the QR code, contact Sherine Green at the parish office, or Jen Barker at jlm310@comcast.net.
Jen Barker is a member of the parish.
