Did you ever try to teach an old dog a new trick? Well, let me tell you about the time I tried to teach my wife’s silly poodle, Frou-Frou – yes, that was her name, don’t ask me why – how to fetch. We’d spent thirty minutes with this fancy, high-end squeaky toy, and all she’d done was stare at it like it was a personal insult. Finally, I just threw a plain old tennis ball as far down the yard as I could, let out a holler that probably woke the neighbors in three counties, and what do you know? That poodle zipped across that grass faster than a jackrabbit with a lit firecracker tied to its tail.
Sometimes, we make loving God way harder than it has to be – full of complicated rules and heavy-duty expectations. We forget He’s not just the stern Judge up in heaven; He’s also our closest Friend who wants us to have joy!
So here’s the deal: what if falling more deeply in love with Jesus was less about grim, uphill battles and more like a fun-filled adventure? What if you could have daily “dates” with the Divine, go on Scripture scavenger hunts for buried treasure, or compete in challenges that make your heart grow three sizes bigger?
Welcome to your guidebook for making faith not just a duty, but the best darned game you’ll ever play. Let’s get started.
Why Your Faith Needs a Playdate
Let’s be real here – sometimes our spiritual life can feel about as exciting as watching paint dry on a Tuesday afternoon. We go through the motions: say a quick prayer before meals (while simultaneously trying to keep the kids from launching broccoli at each other), attend Mass when required (and maybe a few extras here and there!), and read a few lines of Scripture if we’re feeling particularly pious.
But then life happens – work deadlines, bill payments, kid’s soccer practice, mowing the lawn – and our relationship with God gets relegated to the back burner. It feels like just one more thing on an already overstuffed to-do list.
This isn’t how it’s supposed to be! St. Augustine once wrote that “our hearts are made for Thee, O God, and they are restless until they rest in Thee.” But restlessness doesn’t have to mean angst-ridden sighing under the weight of existential dread. It can mean joyful chasing after something you love! We need to rediscover that childlike wonder we once had – when faith was an adventure, not a chore.
That’s where these playful tips come in handy. They’re not meant to replace serious prayer or study – far from it! Think of them as the appetizers before the main course. The little games and activities that keep your spiritual appetite sharp and make you eager for the real meal.
10 Fun Ways to Fall Deeper in Love with Jesus
Here’s where we get practical. Consider this your starter kit for faith-fueled fun!
🕒 Daily Divine Dates
We all have our morning rituals – coffee, news, maybe checking social media (though I try to keep that to a minimum). What if you invited God into that sacred time?
How it works: Each morning before your feet even touch the floor, spend five minutes chatting with God. It doesn’t have to be fancy language. “Good morning, Lord,” I often say over my first cup of coffee. “Thanks for a good night’s sleep. What’s on our agenda today? Help me be a better husband, father, and neighbor.” You can talk through your worries, share your joys, or just sit in silence together.
Why it works: It transforms your prayer from something you have to do into something you get to enjoy. It’s like having the most important person in your life meet you for coffee every single day.
🔍 Scripture Scavenger Hunts
The Bible can seem like this massive, intimidating library. But it’s not! It’s God’s love letter to us – and scavenger hunts make reading it an adventure.
How it works: Pick a theme for the week (love, joy, peace) and look for verses about it. Here’s how I do it: “Lord, where should we look today? Give me a little nudge.” Then you open your Bible to a random spot or use a daily devotional app and start searching. When my grandkids visit, this becomes one of their favorite games! We turn it into a competition – who can find the most beautiful verse about God’s love?
Why it works: It turns passive reading into active engagement. You’re not just consuming words; you’re hunting for treasure!
💖 Acts of Kindness Challenges
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of compassion when He washed His disciples’ feet – a task usually reserved for the lowest servant in the house. Following Him means serving others.
How it works: Challenge yourself to perform one unexpected act of kindness each day. It could be as simple as buying someone’s coffee behind you, leaving a generous tip for your server (I always make sure my servers know Jesus loves them!), or helping an elderly neighbor carry their groceries.
Why it works: As St. Teresa of Calcutta put it, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” These small acts of love don’t just bless others – they transform us from the inside out.
🎶 Praise & Worship Playlists
Music has power! It can lift our spirits when we’re down or make a joyful day even better. Why not create a playlist dedicated to worship?
How it works: Make a collection of your favorite hymns and praise songs – from classic gospel tunes to modern worship music (though I tend to stick with the classics myself!). Turn it on while you’re driving, cooking, or working around the house.
Why it works: Music engages our emotions in ways that words alone can’t. It’s like giving God a standing ovation!
🙏 Gratitude Journals
In this world of constant complaining (and I’ve had my fair share!), gratitude is revolutionary.
How it works: Keep a small notebook by your bed. Each night before you drift off, write down three things you’re thankful for from that day. It could be anything – the perfect sunset, a kind word from a stranger, or just that your favorite football team didn’t lose.
Why it works: This habit trains your eyes to see God’s goodness everywhere. As St. Paul reminds us, “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
⛪ Saintly Role Models
The saints aren’t just statues in church – they’re real people who show us how to live a life of joyful love for God.
How it works: Pick a saint to be your “spiritual buddy” each month. Read about their life, ask them to intercede for you (I’ve got a special soft spot for St. Joseph – he was a man’s man if there ever was one!), and try to imitate their virtues.
Why it works: The saints prove that this Christian walk is possible! They’re like spiritual mentors, showing us the path from where we are to where God wants us to be.
🎲 Faith-Filled Board Game Nights
Your family can have a game night AND grow in faith at the same time!
How it works: There are actual Catholic board games out there (yes, they exist!), but you don’t need fancy materials. Make your own!
Bible Charades: Act out stories from Scripture.
Scripture Pictionary: Draw verses while others guess.
Catechism Jeopardy: Create a game show style quiz about our faith.
Why it works: It makes learning fun! When kids associate faith with laughter and good times, they’ll want to come back for more.
🍽️ Prayerful Meals
In my hardware store days, lunch breaks were often rushed affairs – grabbed on the go between customers. But mealtimes are sacred opportunities!
How it works: Make it a point to bless your food together before you eat. But don’t just recite a rote prayer! Share what you’re thankful for during that meal. “Lord, thanks for this good food and for each other.”
Why it works: It transforms ordinary meals into communion events – moments of gratitude and connection with God and family.
🧹 Serve Others
Jesus washed feet. We can find our own ways to get our hands dirty in service.
How it works: Find a need in your community and fill it.
Volunteer at the food bank
Help out at your parish
Organize a neighborhood cleanup day
Why it works: As Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). When we serve others, we’re serving Him.
🌿 Nature Walks with God
God’s creation is one of His greatest gifts to us. Let’s go outside and enjoy it!
How it works: Take regular walks in nature – whether that’s a park near your home or the woods behind my house (where I’ve seen more deer than people!). As you walk, look for God’s handiwork everywhere.
Why it works: It reminds us of our proper place in the world – as stewards of God’s beautiful creation. Plus, fresh air is good for the soul!
😄 Laugh with God
God gave us humor! Don’t be afraid to have a good laugh.
How it works: Tell clean jokes (like my favorite: Why do Catholics make terrible secret agents? Because they can’t keep anything under wraps!). Find joy in everyday moments.
Why it works: The Proverbs tell us, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
Addressing Common Misunderstandings
Now, I know some folks might be thinking, “Bojangles, this sounds… well, a bit frivolous. Isn’t faith supposed to be serious?”
Let me tell you something – I once saw an old farmer trying to shoe his mule while it was trying to eat a bucket of oats at the same time. The poor man was struggling mightily! But then he realized if he just let the mule have some of what it wanted, the rest of the job went much smoother.
Faith isn’t about grim determination at all costs. It’s about working with God’s nature – which is love and joy!
Another thought you might have: “This sounds great in theory, but I’m too busy/overwhelmed/stressed.”
Friend, that’s exactly why this works! These aren’t big, time-consuming projects. They’re little tweaks we can make to our daily lives that add up over time. Think of it like losing weight – you don’t have to run a marathon tomorrow! You just take the stairs instead of the elevator.
And for those who worry about making faith “too simple”: remember what Jesus said when His disciples were arguing about who was the greatest: “Unless you become as little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). There’s something holy in that childlike simplicity we’ve lost.
Advanced Insights for Deeper Joy
Once you’ve tried some of these basics and found what works for you, you might want to go deeper. Here are a few ideas:
Create an “Altar” at Home: Set up a special corner with a Bible, a statue (I recommend St. Joseph holding the Baby Jesus – he’s always been my patron saint!), and maybe some candles.
Start a Prayer Group: Get together with other folks in your parish or neighborhood for regular prayer dates.
Go on a Pilgrimage: Visit a holy site like our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Mexico or St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal.
The key is that growth should always lead back to joy!
Final Thoughts: Keep Playing!
Look, loving God isn’t a destination you arrive at – it’s an adventure you keep having every single day. It’s the daily “yes” to His presence in your life.
Remember these three things:
1. God is closer than you think. He’s in your coffee mug, your morning commute, and your conversations.
2. Faith should be fun! If it isn’t, you might be doing it wrong (or at least, missing some opportunities).
3. Every little act counts. The small moments of gratitude, kindness, and connection are what transform us over time.
So go ahead – have that daily date with God over coffee. Start a Scripture scavenger hunt with your kids. Perform one random act of kindness today. Your soul will thank you for it!
As St. Therese of Lisieux said (and I try to live by this), “I pray that my soul may be a little garden, enclosed, and protected from the evil spirits who roam these days.” But remember – gardens need play in them too! So go make yours a joyful one.