Ever sat in church scribbling a verse reference, then switched to your Bible app to look it up, then switched back to your notes app — only to realize you missed the next two points? Spirit Notes was built to end that juggle. It's a purpose-built Christian note-taking app that keeps your sermon recordings, typed notes, Scripture references, and Bible reader all in one place.^1
The standout feature is Scripture auto-complete: type "John 3:16" (or any reference) and the full verse text appears instantly inside your note — no copy-paste, no internet required. Choose from trusted translations including ESV, NIV, NKJV, NLT, KJV, CSB, MSG, and more. A built-in customizable Bible reader links directly to your notes, so tapping any highlighted verse shows every note you've ever written about that passage. Recording is seamlessly integrated — hit record and take notes simultaneously, with automatic timestamps that let you tap any point later to jump straight to that moment in the audio.^2
Built solo by Leio McLaren, a designer and developer who spent two years building Spirit Notes in his free time after feeling God's prompting. "I started having an issue where I would go to find Church sermons and notes from over the years and no matter where I looked I couldn't find them," he writes. What began as a personal frustration became a mission — and he secured licensing agreements with publishers for 13 Bible translations before launch, a feat he credits entirely to God's provision.^3
Why Christians Love Spirit Notes: "I absolutely love Spirit Notes. When I'm in church, at a Bible study, or reflecting on my own, it makes capturing revelations effortless — verses drop in automatically, sermon audio is saved, and everything stays beautifully organized!" — Rachel^2 One user called it "my favorite app this year," praising the verse auto-fill: "It's so good, it needs more downloads. My favorite feature is the verse population. No more copy paste."^2 Another shared how it transformed expository preaching for them: "This past Sunday my pastor had 28 references to texts outside of our main text. With the auto fill feature I was able to not only note all of them but was able to read along with him."^2 A paid subscriber put it simply: "This is hands down the very best app for taking notes during a sermon. The fact that it has timestamps, tags, quick verse insert, highlighting tools and so many great translations is over the top UX."^2
Spirit Notes is guided by a thoughtful manifesto: no vanity metrics, no social features, no account required — your notes stay private and yours. "Your personal data is yours. You should not be forced to give it up to use apps that do not need it."^4
Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Mac via Apple Silicon, Apple Vision) Pricing: Freemium (5 free notes, then subscription)
