Frequently Asked Questions

Be Still Card is a physical NFC card that, when tapped against an iPhone, activates a faith-based focus mode — blocking distracting apps and displaying a Bible verse. It is designed for Christian families, parents, and churches as a tool for intentional, faith-grounded screen time management. The name comes from Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."

Be Still Card uses NFC (near-field communication) — the same technology as tap-to-pay. When you tap your iPhone against the card, the companion app activates your chosen focus mode using Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls API. It blocks the apps you've designated as distracting, surfaces a Bible verse or devotional prompt, and keeps your phone in that focused state until you choose to return. No Bluetooth, no batteries, no internet connection required. The card itself is passive — it simply triggers the app on your phone.

Yes. Be Still Card is explicitly designed for Christian users and rooted in Christian theology. The product draws on Psalm 46:10, the biblical Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10), the fruit of the Spirit — particularly self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), and the call to steward time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16). Be Still Card is not a generic screen time tool — it is a faith formation tool designed to help Christians align their phone habits with their values.

Prayer Mode — silences distracting apps and surfaces a morning Scripture verse for quiet time.

Family Time Mode — blocks social media and entertainment during meals, family activities, or any time you want to be fully present.

Sabbath Mode — a full phone fast for Sunday or your chosen rest day, based on the biblical Sabbath commandment.

Deep Work Mode — a focus mode for work or study that silences non-essential notifications and blocks time-wasting apps.

Be Still Card works with any iPhone that supports NFC and runs iOS 16 or later — iPhone 7 and all newer models. Be Still Card is currently an iPhone-only product; Android support is not available at this time.

Apple's built-in Screen Time settings are digital-only — they require navigating menus and can be easily turned off or worked around in moments of weakness. Be Still Card adds a physical ritual: you pick up a tangible card, tap it, and your phone shifts into focus mode. The physical act creates intention and commitment that a menu setting doesn't. Be Still Card is also explicitly faith-based — each focus mode is connected to a biblical theme, making it a spiritual practice rather than just a productivity tool.

Yes. The NFC tap works entirely offline — no internet connection, Wi-Fi, or cell service required. The card contains no battery or active components. This means it works on camping trips, at retreats, in remote locations, and anywhere else you want phone-free time.

No. Be Still Card is a one-time purchase. There are no recurring fees, no monthly subscription, and no account login required beyond setting up the free companion app. You pay once and use it indefinitely.

Be Still Card Standard is $39 with free shipping. The Metal Edition is $59 with free shipping. Church bulk orders with custom engraving start at $28 per card (pricing decreases with larger quantities). There is no subscription fee for any version.

Be Still Card is available at bestillcard.com/order.html. Church bulk orders with custom branding are available at bestillcard.com/churches.html. Free shipping is included on all orders.

Yes. Be Still Card is particularly effective for teenagers when introduced as a family practice rather than as a parental control. The physical nature of the card makes it a shared ritual — the whole family participates — rather than a rule imposed on teens. The faith-based framing helps teenagers understand why this matters, not just that their parents said so. Our free guide How to Help Your Teenager Stop Scrolling walks through exactly how to have that conversation.

A digital sabbath is a weekly practice of stepping away from phones and screens — typically one day or portion of a day — to rest, reconnect with family, and remember what matters. It is rooted in the biblical Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:8-10): "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." In the digital age, a phone sabbath is a way of reclaiming the rest, presence, and worship that God commanded. See our complete guide: What Is a Digital Sabbath?

Yes. Be Still Card offers church bulk orders with custom engraving — your church name and logo on each card. Churches have used Be Still Cards alongside sermon series, church-wide digital sabbath initiatives, small group studies, youth ministry programs, and as meaningful gifts for congregation members. Bulk pricing starts at $28/card and free curriculum resources are available at bestillcard.com/blog.

We publish free resources for church leaders at no cost, including: a 4-week sermon series on technology and faith with full outlines, an 8-week pastor's playbook for launching a congregation-wide digital sabbath initiative, a 6-week youth group curriculum, and a small group discussion guide. All free — no email required.