Time of prayer often competes with constant notifications, overflowing inboxes, and a pace of life that never seems to slow down. Technology has given Christians access to thousands of devotionals, podcasts, and apps. Yet many believers admit that consistency in prayer remains a struggle. The challenge is not the absence of resources. The challenge is finding ways to stop, focus, and remain present with God.
Throughout history, faith communities have leaned on tangible objects to bring rhythm and focus to prayer. From rosaries and prayer beads to candles and icons, physical reminders have served as anchors for devotion. They are not substitutes for faith, but companions that create space for stillness. PrayerBowls has stepped into this tradition by offering something that is both deeply rooted in history and adapted for modern believers. Their bowls and cards are not just decorative items. They are practical tools that help Christians return to prayer with intention.
The Role of Tangibility in Spiritual Practice
There is something powerful about writing a name on a card and placing it into a bowl. It is a small act, but one that transforms prayer from an idea into something visible and concrete. The psychology of ritual tells us that when we combine thought with physical action, we are more likely to remain consistent. In faith terms, it becomes a habit of remembrance.
PrayerBowls builds on this truth. A simple ceramic or wooden bowl sits in the home, and within it are the names of people and situations that need prayer. Each time someone walks by, the presence of that bowl serves as a reminder to pause and intercede. The practice aligns with scripture that calls believers to lift one another in prayer without ceasing.
PrayerBowls as a Bridge Between Past and Present
The company’s founder, Karen Berry, discovered the idea during a personal health crisis. While she was sick, people she knew and people she had never met lifted her up in prayer. One of them was a woman named Angie, who used a prayer bowl every day to hold names before the Lord. That simple act resonated with Karen and planted the seed for PrayerBowls.
What began with Karen hand-painting bowls for friends and family grew into a business that still carries the intimacy of its beginnings. The bowls reflect a larger Christian tradition of keeping prayer close through tangible reminders. Yet they do not feel dated or distant. They are shaped for modern life, created with quality craftsmanship, and designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines. The story of their creation is as much about community as it is about product.
Community in the Act of Prayer
PrayerBowls does not stop at selling a physical item. The company has built a community around the rhythm of prayer. Families often use the bowls together. Children can write down names and learn the habit of intercession from an early age. Couples place the bowl at the center of their table and pray for those they love. Friends exchange bowls as gifts, turning a product into a shared spiritual practice.
Beyond the home, PrayerBowls extends this community through weekly and monthly writings. Since 2019, the “Pause and Pray” email has landed in inboxes each Monday with scripture, prayer, and often a praise song. Readers mark the beginning of their week with these reflections. On the third Monday of each month, Karen or a guest writer shares testimony or wisdom through a blog. More recently, a bi-monthly email titled “Ponder” has invited readers to reflect on deeper questions. These offerings expand the purpose of the bowls into an ongoing conversation about prayer, scripture, and spiritual growth.
Counterbalance to Digital Faith Tools
There is no shortage of digital devotionals or mobile apps promising to strengthen faith. Many believers rely on them daily. Yet what is often missing is the sense of permanence that comes with something physical. A screen reminder disappears with a swipe. A notification can be silenced. A bowl placed on a counter or shelf cannot be ignored so easily.
PrayerBowls provides a counterbalance to digital devotion. It is not a rejection of technology but a reminder that spiritual growth is not only built on quick reads or app-based plans. It is grounded in daily habits that involve mind, body, and spirit. In this way, PrayerBowls complements digital tools by offering something they cannot replicate.
In a culture that moves at the speed of a scroll, Christians are rediscovering the value of slowing down. Tangible objects have always been part of spiritual life. They remind the believer of God’s presence, encourage consistency, and connect the individual to community. PrayerBowls carries this tradition forward with bowls and cards that create a daily rhythm of prayer in homes across the country.
The company began with one woman’s story of illness and intercession. It has grown into a movement that spans ceramic bowls from Portugal, wooden bowls from American craftsmen, and carved designs from Mexico. Yet the heart remains the same. Each bowl is a call to remember. Each card is a prompt to pray.
The act of writing a name, placing it in a bowl, and lifting it to God may seem simple. That is precisely why it matters. PrayerBowls shows that faith does not need to keep pace with technology. Instead, it can reclaim ritual, bring prayer back into the home, and turn everyday objects into sacred reminders.