Does Prayer Lock know whether I actually prayed?
No. Marian can track completion of your chosen in-app goal, but it cannot independently confirm prayer, attention or reflection.
An optional Marian Patron feature
Make room for prayer with Prayer Lock.
Choose daily readings, a full Rosary, or a single decade before your selected distracting apps unlock. Prayer Lock uses Apple Screen Time to help you make space for prayer on your own device.
Get Marian free on the App StoreHow Prayer Lock works
Prayer Lock is an optional paid feature included with Marian Patron. Choose which distracting apps to restrict and a goal: read the daily readings, pray a full Rosary, or pray a single decade. Complete your chosen goal in Marian to unlock the apps you selected.
Your selected apps are restricted, not your entire phone. Prayer Lock is a tool for your own routine. Completing an in-app goal cannot measure your attention, reflection or sincerity in prayer.
Start with the day's readings.
Choose daily readings as your goal and make space for Scripture before returning to your selected apps. Marian’s dedicated reader includes adjustable text and light or dark themes.
Readings come from Universalis and require an internet connection. See the reader in light and dark themes →
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 distracting apps you want to block.
- Choose daily readings, a full Rosary, or a single decade as your goal.
- 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?
Your selected blocked apps unlock when you complete your chosen reading or prayer goal in Marian. Your phone itself remains usable.
Can I choose the apps that are blocked?
Yes. Choose distracting apps using Apple's system picker. Your app selections stay on your device, and you choose the goal that suits your routine.
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.
Download Marian free