After getting weekly requests from followers and friends to re-share the best Christian podcasts, singers, and apps that I posted to my Instagram story a while back, I figured I would post them here for safe keeping!
As a little back story…
This year for Lent I gave up listening to secular music and podcasts in favor of Christian alternatives. My thought process was this: If I am going to constantly bombard myself with sounds and stimulation, then I should ensure that those things are good. As someone who is easily affected by the music I’m listening to (too much Taylor Swift will make me super emotional- anyone else?), I decided I strictly wanted to hear TRUTH for those 40 days.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
In all honesty I didn’t know how it would go. Would I miss my LANY? Would I get bored? Doesn’t all Christian music sound the same?
To my (very pleasant) surprise, this Lent changed my heart. My mood was elevated. I felt happier and more joyous. My faith deepened and my love for the Lord grew stronger.
If you’ve never done a sort of “cleanse” like this, I challenge you to try it! You never know how it might affect you!
Anyways, lets loop back around… before Lent started, I put out a question on my Instagram story asking people to share their favorite Christian singers and podcasts so I could add them to my line up. Tons of people wrote in (thank you so much!) and a lot also sent me questions to the effect of, “Can you share the suggestions everyone gives?” Of course!
Here they are: the best Christian podcasts, singers, and apps, according to you guys! Plus, a few notes and additions from yours truly.
Singers
Some more not listed above:
Tauren Wells
Jonny Diaz
Elevation Worship
Brandon Heath
Dave Barnes
The Afters
Personally I could listen to Hillsong day and night and never get sick of them. Of course there is the classic “Oceans” but my other favorites are “So Will I (100 Billion X)” and “Touch the Sky”. They also just released a new album last month that is fantastic. So far my favorite is “Highlands (Song of Ascent)” with honorable mentions to “As You Find Me”, “Might Sound Wild”, and “Another in the Fire” but truthfully the entire album will move you.
Podcasts
The two that I listened to all Lent long? That Sounds Fun and Abiding Together. Coincidentally those were the two most recommended!
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs: I could listen to Annie interview her friends/guests all day! Annie has an infectious personality and has hands-down the best guests on her show! It feels like hanging out with friends where the conversation flows and you come away feeling inspired to live more for Christ; a captivating and happy listen.
Favorite episodes: Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Charles Martin, Ben Higgins, Sadie Robertson, and Lysa TerKeurst.
Abiding Together: Hosted by Sister Miriam, Michelle Benzinger, and Heather Khym, this podcast is a bit more theologically based than That Sounds Fun. It was a little “heavier” for lack of a better word, so I loved switching back and forth between the two. The friendship between these three women is so beautifully apparent, and what you’ll find in listening is encouragement on your spiritual journey.
Favorite episodes: Their Lenten series studying the book Searching For and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe was incredible. Week 4’s episode “The Life I Wish I Had” was especially wonderful!
Apps
Formed: With everything from movies, to audiobooks, to study series, to devotionals and prayers, think of this as Christian Netflix.
First 5: Produced by Lysa TerKeurst’s Proverbs 31 Ministry, this app encourages you to spend the first five minutes of your morning morning in the Word. Each day provides a reading, meditation, and prayer in an easy to use format. Such a simple way to spend time with the Lord before getting distracted by social media and the rest of your day.
She Reads Truth: A Bible-reading tool that has both free and paid Bible-reading plans.
Pray as You Go: This app provides a daily prayer session to help you pray whenever and wherever you find time.
MassTimes: The easiest way to find Catholic Masses when traveling, the app uses your location to find the nearest churches. You can filter by day and time to find the best Mass for your schedule.
