Ryan Beck | CTO of Pray.com

Technology and faith, two realms that may seem significantly distinct at first glance, have increasingly intertwined over the years. In the epicenter of this intersection is Pray.com, a digital platform that helps users deepen their faith with daily scripts, devotionals, and more. 

In an enlightening episode of Bram Radio Podcast, Ryan Beck, the Chief Technology Officer of Pray.com, shares insights on how technology is shaping faith and how his platform is contributing to this transformation.

THE CREATION OF PRAY.COM

Pray.com was born out of Steve Gatena’s vision, a vision Ryan Beck inherited when the two friends reunited after years of disparate life experiences. What started as a bare-bones website quickly transformed into a thriving platform thanks to their shared innovative spirit. Through numerous conversations, iterations, and refinements, they built a digital tool that initiates a deeper connection between the user and their faith.

The tools they built, the engagement they fostered, and the content they curated allowed Pray.com to resonate with Christians from different walks of life, providing them significant spiritual resources right at their fingertips. 

TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION

It is important to look towards the future and anticipate how technology will further shape spirituality. According to Beck, the future of the church has a “hybrid” model—where the physical and digital coincide. Technology, he stated, allows congregants to participate in church services even from afar, creating a seamless blend of physical and digital worship experiences. 

Understanding how technology can positively impact faith is critical for developing beneficial platforms. Pray.com’s deliberate gamification strategies imbue elements of fun and entertainment into educational faith-based activities, making spiritual growth enjoyable and accessible for users, especially the youth.

IMPACTING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH FAITH

Mental health is a crucial aspect of Pray.com’s function. The profound impact of faith on mental well-being forms the crux of many features on the platform. Utilizing the transformational essence of faith-based content, Pray.com helps alleviate negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.

The platform seeks to counteract the harmful effects of poor digital habits formed from social media usage. By cultivating positive habits and encouraging users to engage with wholesome, spiritual content, Pray.com aids in maintaining the mental health of its users.

TECHNOLOGY SERVING FAITH

Ryan Beck’s perspective on the power of technology in strengthening faith is a testament to the possibilities that arise at the intersection of technological innovation and spirituality. Pray.com embodies this vision, leveraging the digital world to serve the needs of faith communities globally. By catering to both individual spiritual practices and communal religious engagements, Pray.com captures the essence of faith in today’s digitized world. 

The combination of faith and technology is a promising tactic to foster spiritual growth, facilitating individuals’ connection with God in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. Indeed, the words of Ryan Beck resonate; “If technology or apps can have that negative impact on us, why can’t they have a positive impact on us?” and Pray.com is living proof of that positivity.