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. Recent updates added Bible verse highlighting with vibrant colors directly inside Scripture, plus the ability to print and share notes.^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: "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 subscriber who initially left a critical review updated it after the developer personally reached out and shipped fixes: "This type of service is truly extraordinary, and I'm overjoyed that I can have the opportunity to love this app as much as I originally wanted to!"^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
Notable:
- Featured in a March 2026 interview with Church of God of Prophecy Bahamas discussing Spirit Notes' impact on advancing the Kingdom of God^5
- Creator Leio McLaren is a Renaissance Australia contributor and also founded bible.ai^6
- Sharing lets you send recordings, notes, verses, and images in a single link — recipients can read, listen, and add their own thoughts^1
Platforms: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Mac via Apple Silicon, Apple Vision) Pricing: Freemium (5 free notes, then subscription)
