Abide - Bible Meditation Sleep Reviews

by Vovfufnick

First let me say that I absolutely love the devotions and the way the topics are laid out in case you have a specific need. The quality of the content is fantastic. However there are two downsides that need to be resolved. While it’s interesting that you can see how many continuous days you have done your meditation, it’s very demotivating if you’ve been going for 30 days and then you are on a vacation or travel somewhere you cannot download the daily meditation and it starts you all over again at zero. This is not encouraging, in fact it’s the opposite and makes you frustrated and feel bad. I read recommend a better way to track and make you feel as if you’re winning rather than getting in 30 days correct missing one day and being penalized. They should be looking at what’s best not telling you you’re failing if you miss simply one day of meditation and devotion and start all over again.
Second issue which is far more important is the inability to download a week at a time. I do missionary work in developing areas of the world where there is no Internet. If you look at other solutions such as our daily bread it allows you to download the entire month at a time. There should be an easy feature to provide it is absolutely necessary.

by SeekGod1st

First I would like to explain why I rated Abide a 1..when I initially downloaded Abide I was over the top ecstatic! It was everything I was looking for, I liked it sooo much that I told a lot of family and friends about it because I felt they could benefit from such an amazing app AND THEN everything went downhill.. I was no longer able to choose my meditation options (other than the standard 2min) I also couldn’t use any of the other features as well without PAYING! Soo for this reason i give it a 1 because I no longer have a use for Abide bc I’m not going to pay.. Abide should just charge ppl from the beginning because the little I can do without paying is not benefiting me at all...I will be removing Abide as soon as I’m done with the review.

For those who are willing to pay...Abide has a lot of great features and content.. If you are considering paying, the SHORT trial period should allow you to make the best decision for u.. in my opinion there are too many FREE bible/prayer/meditation apps that offer way more features than this one; the free apps may have additional features u can purchase BUT the free features u do get are enough for me to receive what I need (prayer,devotionals, meditations,etc)

I do commend the creators of Abide BUT as mentioned before, I think u should charge for Abide from the beginning bc the trial is 1) not long enough and 2) the free content given is not enough for meditation or prayer

by Emmy Anne W

This is skirting a very dangerous line. In no way are we to appropriate the eastern religious form of meditation, focusing on breathing and relaxing our minds. Biblical meditation is very specific and deliberate; and as far as I can tell, Abide doesn’t have any teaching on what biblical meditation is and isn’t! This has the potential to lead many into the wrong kind of meditations while thinking it’s okay because “it’s similar to the meditations in Abide, and Abide is Christian so it’s okay isn’t it? I’m using God’s name so it’s okay isn’t it?” Just because we add God to something doesn’t suddenly make it biblical.

New age practices like this are sneaking into the church, and it’s not okay. Watch videos on law of attraction by Nastasia Grace, for example, to see just how we can be deceived as Christians by cherry picking and twisting scriptures to support truly unbiblical practices with unbiblical origins (who twisted scripture in the Bible? The enemy, in the garden of Eden and to Jesus in the wilderness!). Starting with a practice and changing some of its details to fit God into it, doesn’t make it biblical. We start with the Bible first. And learn what “meditate” really is in the Bible before thinking that it’s the same as eastern style meditation.

Abide has the potential to open doors into new age practices when it’s not separating itself from them. Instead, it looks just like them only with God thrown in.

by SKPFHK

I really loved Abide. I have used several different meditation apps but I always wanted something that included prayer, so this was an exciting find.

However, I had absolutely no idea Abide was a short trial, followed by being cut off from the guide you were in the middle of (and ALL guides and daily meditations except for the short snippet ones) unless you pay a monthly/annual fee. There was no indication of that until it switched for me. I felt completely deceived in a moment I was ready for quiet prayer ☹️

Listen, I understand that app development isn’t free. But it breaks my heart that others will feel the same- excited about Christ and time with him, and then mislead into a rabbit hole profit machine. Too much of our daily lives is already like that! If I had known it was going to cut me off (ex: when I opened it said “2 days left in your trial..”), I would have felt differently. I probably would have donated the fee to sponsor Abide (like many Christian radio stations) or subscribed if I knew ahead of time and could have made the decision. But being cut off with no warning and asked to pay money to listen to the day’s daily meditative prayer felt just all kinds of wrong. Like pay-to-pray. I worry about those who can’t afford it, and it changed my entire attitude about using Abide . So, truly disheartening and disappointing.

by HoosiersinNJ

I am a Christian counselor and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. I am keenly aware there are spiritually dangerous meditation practices/apps out there. I was thrilled to see a Christian meditation app and more than happy to pay for this service and to support the ministry for others. I also thought it was very clear, not at all deceiving that it was a self pay app and a fair price for the potential benefit. However, I think it is not really a meditation app for a few reasons. First we are to meditate on the word of God and this is a lot of talking by someone else. Second, it is waaayyyy to fast and busy for real meditation and experiencing the presence of God. My brain processes things pretty fast, but not this fast. So I end up trying to focus on each word as it rushes past and getting mostly just frustrated. Third, there is no time or coaching to train the mind to the present using sensory prompts. If we are not in the present we are not experiencing God fully since we are only alive in the present moment, unlike Him who is eternally present. I really wanted this to provide me all those supports for truly abiding with Him and I am sad it did not. Thank you for your ministry and the passion for the Lord that drives it. Clearly you are meeting a need for many. May your ministry continue to be blessed.

by Super Gnikki

The team at this app is doing a beautiful work here. When I had a question their customer service was amazing and I am daily blessed by these prayers and meditations. I’m learning to lean in to God more every day. This is the best app I’ve ever downloaded, another revolutionary way we can learn and communicate as the body of Christ. Of course, we all wish it were free so more people could have easy access, but let’s get real, I’m sure Abide is a huge undertaking, especially to continuously have new content and great customer support, so I can completely understand the pricing. I do have one issue with using two Bluetooth headphones at once. My husband and I have boss soundsport and through the Bose app can both connect to one device to listen together. When we use any app it works, except for this one, which is really the main one we care about sharing together lol. I’m praying that the right person reads this and maybe whatever causes this can be remedied in an update. Download Abide and use it daily, maybe even multiple times a day when you can, you will grow!

by Dashana Secada

A little over a year ago I was really struggling with sleeping. I actually downloaded another popular app and although it was good ... something was missing. Then I ran across Abide - it caught my attention. I was like good sleep plus God - well I can’t think of anything better. Then I realized it was muchhhh more that just a sleep app. The daily mediation for me having been so healing and uplifting. Some times I get so deep in the meditation I find my self crying. I’ve struggled for years with my actual church going. I knew that I wasn’t in the place mentally to attend church regularly- I’ve often felt like a outcast - but I didn’t want that to hinder my actual growth with God. I’m not saying download Abide and stop going to church! I’m saying that Abide has slowly restored my faith all over and now I go to church more - now I spend more time with God overall. I was skeptical when first downloading as a Christian you have to be so on guard with what information you take in. Abide is my safe space - I wake up with and go to sleep with it - sometimes I even listen to it when I work out! From the voices and sounds just everything- I truly can’t express how grateful I am to have this tool and I hope this company continues to flourish because this is the type of energy we all need in our lives!!

by Liz Tracy

I too was disappointed when I realized it was only a trial. I would like to humbly offer a suggestion to the developers. Try putting it out there for free and accepting donations via PayPal or Venmo. I truly believe if you trust the Lord he will supply your needs while allowing you to help hurting people find Jesus. I can say this with confidence because we have been in full-time ministry for 28 years reaching kids in public schools for Jesus. We provide teaching materials to our volunteers and backpack Bibles to every child we reach, which is in the thousands after all these years. We were able to do all this plus raise six kids of our own, all on donations from people who believed in what we do. We never ask for money or charge for anything we do, God just always supplied our every need. It wasn’t always easy but we trusted Him and He has been faithful to us. I just want to encourage you with this testimony. I know you offer scholarships from your ministry, but many hurting people find it hard to ask for financial help. It would be wonderful if all of it was free and God supplied the means for you to continue your great work. God bless you and thank you for your wonderful ministry. I know you are helping many find Jesus. It is a ministry that I know the Holy Spirit would lead me to donate to.

by Xxo278

I was saddened after getting Abide to see all the negative comments about the cost. Wow $29 a year! Many pay that for a cup of coffee every week. I have a son who develops apps and it is so much work. I appreciate all the people involved in the making of this app. The amount of collaboration and organization to form this kind of amazing soul searching meditation could only be the Lord doing it. I cant even imagine all the pieces parts that went into making this app. I start my day with something from Abide and everyday, God allows me to grow, through tears, revelation, healing, researching and memorizing the meditation scriptures. Im truly amazed at this perfect tool made by God just for me. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit and making this technology part of Gods work.. dont be discouraged by those who want it free, id pay even more for the opportunity. I love that it furthers this ministry. Money is just the tool God uses to spread the gospel. Hanging on to the money He provides withholds God. So be encouraged that you have listened to His voice and continue this amazing work through this app.

by JJ411411

As the title indicates I have been using this app everyday for about 6 weeks. My Dr. recommended Abide to me after I had shared that i was learning about and becoming interested in meditation. My interest was ignited at a retreat where I was led in meditation each morning. . I liked the idea of being led because I didnt have any idea what teachings I need to think abou. I was also wanting some accountability. this app has provide all these things and more.

Having this app has been like having a personal trainer for my spirituality. I can take today’s meditation or chose from the many topics available in the this app library. Whatever topic I choose I feel like I always get just the right content I need to guide me in the direction that God wants to take me on that day. I really like that I can specify the amount of time I want to spend each morning (2-15 minutes) which means I can always fit meditation into my morning.

Thanks this app for partnering with me to grow my spirituality and get centered for each new day.

by ʝєииαмαє68

My name is Jennifer Frantzis & I found this app about 4 yrs ago. Since then then it has given me a Daily Avenue to have not just my own prayer 🙏🏻 life, but one in unity & communion with fellowship with my brothers & sisters in Christ. This has been very enriching and I feel the Holy Spirit’s guidance in taking me to prayers in where the Lord needs me to be in & for whom needs prayer 🙏🏻 which I am so grateful for. Also when I started my girls were younger in school 🏫, but they have watched me do this faithfully over the years. I didn’t even realize that by using this app it was an example to them! They both now use this app every day to start their daily prayers! How Awesome 👏🏻 God ✝️🙏🏻 works!!? All due to a little app on a phone 📲 called this app!! Sooo THANK YOU 🙏🏻 this app & Anyone looking to broaden or just beginning a prayer 🙏🏻 life and maybe you don’t know how, or the words to say, or what or who to pray for?! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this app TO YOU!!! Also know that my girls Demi,Alexa,& myself WILL ALWAYS BE IN AGREEMENT WITH YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!🙏🏻 For where 2 or more are gathered in the name of the Lord, your 🙏🏻 prayers Will Be Granted, Amen 🙏🏻
Thank You 🙏🏻 this app, Sincere Blessings to you All!

Jennifer Frantzis

by RoszeGold

I love the this app app and have depended on it to help me sleep ever since my husband died unexpectedly last year. The narrators’ voices are so comforting, and I love having them read scripture and pray over me throughout the night. I always choose 8 hours so that it will continue all night. When I wake up during the night they’re still there, and I don’t feel so alone.

With the recent update, I was unable to get the meditations to play continuously for 8 hours and wrote a review complaining about it. The developer reached out to me, and after several email exchanges in which they explained to me how to use the new features, I am once again able to have it play all night uninterrupted. I’m very impressed with their attention and help in making it work for me. Way to go, this app!

I can’t say enough about how much Abide has helped me since my husband’s death. I’m so glad God gifted these wonderful people to develop, write, and narrate Abide!

by Jcastadiva

I really like this app, but the latest updates have interfered with Abide functions. Three days ago the s adds was working fine. Two days ago I started losing functions - I lost access to my Guided devotion; this morning I lost access to the daily devotions. I rebooted Abide several times and nothing. I deleted Abide and reinstalled it. But then Abide was locked. Since I’m paying for a subscription, I entered my credentials and nothing. I thought maybe I had the wrong password and click “forgot password” to have it reset. The reset email wouldn’t function. I tried to set up an account - it wouldn’t take. I tried to send a message to customer service. I went to look up a version number and my message wasn’t saved; I had to type it out again. And then to read that someone would get to me within 48 hours was disheartened. If the developers are working on Abide , it would be helpful if a notice went out to inform customers about the changes. If the developers can get it back up and running, I’ll renew and possibly upgrade my subscription. If not, I’ll have to leave. Disappointing...

by TLove71

The first 14 days are free then it cost $30 but it’s worth the $30. I’m not a religious person but I am spiritual and this has helped me through this year after my dad died a long painful death and I was losing my house, and my darkest times when I thought God and everyone forgot about me. One night I was sitting on the side of my bed crying and trying to pray and I said, in this day and age there has to be an app to help you pray and meditate. I didn’t want one that was denominational, I wanted one that spoke to me and just laid it out there. And I came across this app. I downloaded Abide and said if it doesn’t work I’ll try another. I have never tired another.!!!!!!!

When my anxiety it’s at it it’s highest or I feel lost and I need guidance, I will put this on and hit repeat until I am peaceful again and some days it’s playing all day in the background while I’m working and all night while I’m sleeping. Trust me if you can afford the $30 on junk, coffee every morning, etc it will be the best money you have every spent. I went without my Starbucks for that pay period and I don’t regret it and if Abide asks again in a year I’ll do it again.

by Sassy3ddawn

As a “baby” Christian, Abide has helped me learn the disciplines between prayer and meditation. I also previously had issues trying to sleep. The free content is superb and I will upgrade because I believe in the mission of the developers to bring good, quality, honest Christian values to the masses. I labeled Abide as beginners because as some of the stories are told and bible verses read, I know they have been over-simplified. They are put together beautifully in the sleep programs, but I would enjoy a bit more depth as an adult. My grandson loves these stories. It is a great way to introduce children to the word in a simpler mindset such as this. Abide has boundless opportunity for growth and development. The voices used in the sleep programs are perfect for me!! I am now asleep in 10-20 minutes versus up to six hours of mindless meditation without the Word of God in it. Now that I have included my Lord and Savior in my nighttime routine, I fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, have virtually no nightmares, and wake up feeling well. I am excited to see what the developers can do to make this Abide for everyone of every age and every level of biblical knowledge can be!!! ***GREAT START this app!!! I HAVE GREAT HOPES FOR YOU***

by 2xjms

I’ve used the Calm app on and off over the last 4 years when it was recommended to me by my medical doctor at Kaiser after my son died in a motorcycle accident. I was in the midst of deep grief and she thought it would help me. I eventually stopped paying for it because I wasn’t really getting much out of it anymore. Earlier this year Kaiser also offered it for free as we entered into the isolation of a global pandemic.
Meditation has never been my thing, but I did occasionally like the calm voice that would lead me through some breathing exercises in that other app.
Last week a couple of other apps were recommended to me and I wanted to take a moment to shout this one out: this app
I’ve used it every day since downloading it on Wednesday or Thursday of last week. It’s very similar to Calm with the main difference being that it speaks Scripture over you. Some might think that is a subtle difference, but for me it has been everything. Being able to simply let go and to trust everything I’m hearing without having to sift through the the messages makes all the difference in how my mind relaxes.
I can’t recommend this enough!

by Garnet Garden

I like it bcuz I think it’s worth it paying the fee for a much longer time for longer devotions ... Think of all the money we spend on things that has absolutely nothing to do with feeding ourselves spiritually in our minds & our hearts! Yes .. $39 may be a little steep for some but I guess it would all come down to what a person feels is important in their lives. I know I can spend $39 pretty quickly on going out for an In & Out Burger & a smoothie a few times a week, a movie, or just snacks! I just really love the variety of devotional things that this app has to offer. Maybe they could cut the price per year by $5-$10 to help people out but either I’ll still find my snack money especially somewhere. We do live in a great country & I am happy with what this administration has done for our economy so far ... we must all pray over what’s happening now with the Pandemic situation of the Coronavirus for that is far more of what we need than to squak over what can help us to be encouraged in this day & time in what we are being faced with! ... However I do hope that the gentleman ... Outside Janitor is blessed with the $39 so he or she can enjoy the this app App in full all year long! ~Blessings ..

by ISnowdogGirl

I learned of Abide through YouVersion daily reading plans. I absolutely love the daily lessons and interactive style allowing the listener to spend time communing with God during the reading.

First - Abide I found to be quite well rounded with many alternate choices for selecting type and length of meditations. Oddly enough I was very pleased with the narrator’s voices. They were soothing but not “syrup-y” or overly emotional. Just thoughtful. Without going on and on-suffice it to say I was blessed and uplifted by the first meditations-enough so to feel I would like this to become part of my daily quiet time with the Lord.

I’m a little disappointed at the high price but as a former developer I understand the time and cost invested in development of software. And if some of that purchase price is defrayed to additionally support other ministries-well one can’t possibly object. Offering discounts to low-income, seniors, and disabled is a superb thought though I’m not sure how one verifies. I myself fall into this category and $30 means other things go un-met. But spiritual growth is a necessity! Incidentally the response to the reviewer who was so unhappy with the price and short trial period - well I thought the response was quite gracious. Thank you.

by Deyedor

I tried the 7 day free version and loved it sooooooo much that I went ahead and bought it for a year. It was only $40 or $50 bucks and I know that may seem like a lot but it’s honestly nothing in the long term. It helps them pay their employees to record wonderful stories to help you sleep and meditate. My favorite background setting is the ocean it’s so peaceful and calming. I came to Abide because I wanted better sleep and to be closer to God. I can say that Abide does both. It makes me naturally sleepy without any medication while bringing me closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. I feel like I not only sleep better but wake up well rested and ready to take on the next day. If I’m feeling off or discouraged from the day they have wonderful meditations to play. I love the 15 minute one best. It’s honest without beating you down. I love Abide so much and I use it every night to help me sleep. I’ve had Abide for a few months or so and I’ve never had better sleep. Of course not every night is perfect but Abide has definitely made my sleep better and more peaceful. They update it every week with new stories and I can’t rave enough about this. Thank you to the this app team and all you guys do. Take care and God Bless!

by Bruce Wayne Knight

I have been engaging and engaged with the this app app for a couple of years now. As a former pastor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a certified sex addiction therapist, I find numerous points of inspiration and often daily application in my counseling practice. As the this app app often begins with deep breathing, body awareness exercises, and prayer mantras, so too, variations of these are used in my work with clients. I am also clinical director ofGrace healing journey counseling center and as such I am responsible for leading and directing four other therapists. We begin each team meeting with a time of inspiration and devotion. I can say that on many occasions what has been infused into me through the this app app engagement gets passed on to my therapists in some form. One of the things that has come out of my listening to and engaging with the this app app is that it has motivated me to walk through the Gospels with an eye on seeing Jesus as a counselor. It has been fantastic. Thanks to the this app staff for the excellent work that you do. I have passed on Abide to many of my clients and my therapists . Your ministry is being multiplied.

by Creatiate

I really loved Abide. I have used several different meditation apps but I always wanted something that included prayer, so this was an exciting find.

However, I had absolutely no idea Abide was a short trial, followed by being cut off from the guide you were in the middle of (and ALL guides and daily meditations except for the short snippet ones) unless you pay a monthly/annual fee. There was no indication of that until it switched for me. I felt completely deceived in a moment I was ready for quiet prayer ☹️

Listen, I understand that app development isn’t free. But it breaks my heart that others will feel the same- excited about Christ and time with him, and then mislead into a rabbit hole profit machine. Too much of our daily lives is already like that! If I had known it was going to cut me off (ex: when I opened it said “2 days left in your trial..”), I would have felt differently. I probably would have donated the fee to sponsor Abide (like many Christian radio stations) or subscribed if I knew ahead of time and could have made the decision. But being cut off with no warning and asked to pay money to listen to the day’s daily meditative prayer felt just all kinds of wrong. Like pay-to-pray. I worry about those who can’t afford it, and it changed my entire attitude about using Abide . So, truly disheartening and disappointing.

by Daniellia1014

DISAPPOINTED..😪

I absolutely loved Abide in the beginning, and all the meditations offered! However I did not know that this was a trial. I also didn’t know you’d only get a limited amount of meditations once the trial was over. My understanding was that I was getting unlimited meditations for free, they should have said from the beginning if it’s not. If it was a free app though and all the meditations were open to everyone, Abide would be fabulous!! However I really have no use for it now because I can only get a 2min meditation. I do realize that you are a ministry, and so it’s be harder for you to make your app free. However, I think it would make more sense to have people pay at the beginning for Abide , so you don’t come across as deceiving.. Even if you made some of the meditations unlocked per category, and other meditations locked to where people pay for those. Some apps only give a certain amount of items. I would not make it to where I’m just offering one meditation though that’s 2min, then show all the rest locked. That all being said, I’m giving your app a 2 star because of it being deceiving, what I experienced in the trial though was fantastic.

by KatSchirmer

It's amazing how this app has touched my life and helped me change my perspective and approach to life. It's as if this app had a connection into my soul. When I'm troubled challenged or saddened the Word of the day spoke directly to me or my loved ones. Yes I shared your Ap or Word of the day with everyone who needed a hug, smile or encouragement. Now I realize I can do something purposeful. I thank God for making me a beautiful person that is capable of anything. Now I know without a doubt I have a purpose that is far greater than I ever imagined and can help my loved ones- family friends and co-workers by starting with me. Even strangers are a welcome part of my days in which I can share a joyful moment. Life is to be treasured and shared. this app helped me delve into the depths of my soul and Holy Spirit to see and hear our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes there is hope and my faith has been restored. May our Heavenly Father bless you all at this app as you have blessed my life and uplifted me when I didn't want to continue. In Jesus' name I do pray for you to be continually blessed. Amen

by Booboo53 2

Abide is a wonderful app and it has wonderful prays that can help those who has a hard time praying or those who just need to hear a encouraging word or hear that they are not alone, but my problem with Abide is the cost of it. I can’t afford it at all and I have read others who feel the same. If this is a outreach ministry to help those in need than it should be affordable for everyone who would love to listen. Youversion Bible use your app all the time but some people can’t finish the Bible study because you have to pay to use this app. Your app is a blessing but not affordable for me. Jesus heal people and help people free of charge because He knew who had is back. I hope one day I can afford it, but for now I can’t. God bless. I would have given 5 stars, because Abide is so great, but for those can’t afford it I gave 2 stars. It only good for those who can afford the blessing from Abide. Everyone can’t reap the benefits from Abide. Have a blessed day.

by Magoo1500

Been meditating for a while now, did breathing and mindfulness and all that. I was concerned though most meditation practices are more into Buddhism and Chakras which is fine for some but just not for me - I’m a Catholic.

I read the comments and very unclear what the surprise is with the price. It clearly says ‘Yes’ next to ‘In-App Purchase,’ (or they just did not read thoroughly). This has been the same problem with many app reviews, reviewers are upset that there is a fee. $30 a year is REALLY, REALLY not an exuberant amount compared to tons of other meditation apps that go all the way to $99 a year. I’m sure we spend more eating out in a day.

Now I got that fee cleared up, I’d like to clear the reviews about this not being a meditation app. It is a meditation app the way Christians and Catholics are supposed to meditate and that is listening to the Word of God, reflecting and staying silent to connect and hear God’s voice - to talk to Him like in prayer. After each daily mediation, you’ll notice there is an unlimited amount of silence with the exception of the continuous background tone - THATS WHEN YOU MEDITATE. If you’re looking for breathing and mindfulness meditation, that would be the Buddhist version.

Overall, it really is a very, very good app for Christian meditation. Like I said, I’m Catholic and sure works for me. I needed it for guidance and to connect with God daily. Plus you can’t beat the topics - also, did I mention it’s ONLY $30 A YEAR?