Hallow: Prayer & Meditation

Hallow is the app that made Catholic prayer feel at home on a phone. It’s a library of audio-guided prayer, more than 10,000 sessions, and it covers nearly everything: the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Lectio Divina, the daily Gospel with a reflection, the Examen, novenas, Scripture read aloud, Gregorian chant and sacred music, and sleep prayers for the end of the day.

What sets it apart is how it’s made. The sessions are well produced, the voices are warm, and the guides include priests, religious and well-known Catholic voices. Big seasonal challenges like Pray40 in Lent and the Advent series bring millions of people into the same prayer at the same time, and there’s a gentle sense of praying with others even when you’re alone.

It’s Catholic through and through. The prayers are the Church’s own, and the teaching is faithful. It’s also a very good way in for someone who wants to pray but doesn’t know where to start: pick a length, press play, and follow along.

The catch is the price. A handful of sessions are free, but most of the library needs a subscription. For many families it’s worth it, and Hallow offers help for anyone who can’t afford it. If you only want the Rosary or the daily readings, a free app will do. If you want one place to build a daily prayer habit, Hallow is the best there is.