Does Prayer Lock know whether I actually prayed?
No. It counts time in Marian and any other apps you choose for prayer time. It does not independently confirm that prayer took place.
An optional Marian Patron feature
Make room for prayer with Prayer Lock.
Prayer Lock uses Apple Screen Time to restrict distracting apps you choose until the time you set has been counted in Marian or prayer apps you select. It is designed to help you protect a little time for prayer on your own device.
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How Prayer Lock works
Prayer Lock is an optional paid feature included with Marian Patron. You choose which apps to restrict, set how much time should count toward your daily goal, and choose the days it is active. Time in Marian counts automatically; you can also select other prayer apps to count.
Prayer Lock counts app time; it does not verify prayer. It cannot tell whether you are praying. Once the selected app time reaches your goal on an active day, your restricted apps unlock for the rest of that day. The daily goal resets the next day.
Set it up on your iPhone or iPad
- In Marian, open Settings → Prayer Lock.
- Tap Allow Screen Time Access and approve Apple's system prompt.
- Choose the apps to block, set your daily time goal, and select active days.
- If you want time in another prayer app to count, select it as a prayer app.
- Turn Prayer Lock on.
Prayer Lock is available on iPhone and iPad and uses Apple's Screen Time features with your permission. It is for limiting apps on your own device, not for parental controls or managing someone else's device.
Prayer Lock questions
When do my blocked apps unlock?
On an active day, they unlock when the time counted in your selected prayer apps reaches your daily goal. They then remain unlocked for the rest of the day; the goal resets the next day.
Can I choose the apps that are blocked and the apps that count?
Yes. You make both choices using Apple's system picker and can set your goal and active days. The app selections stay on your device.
Is Prayer Lock free?
Prayer Lock is part of Marian Patron, which is available as a monthly or yearly subscription or a one-time lifetime purchase. Marian's guided Rosary and chaplets are free; current Patron pricing is shown in the app.
Start with Marian
Marian is a Catholic prayer app for iPhone and iPad. Pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Holy Wounds Chaplet with guided prayer content that works offline.
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