As teens, it can be hard to keep your faith strong. With school, sports and everything else going on, it’s easy to feel distant from God. As someone who has personally struggled with this, I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped deepen, strengthen and actively practice faith in my life.
Journaling
Writing about daily struggles can help us reflect on the deeper things that might be bothering us. Journaling also allows us to reflect on how to improve ourselves or help us realize things that we should be grateful for! Journaling is great for good and bad days, teaching us to be more reflective rather than pushing things aside.
Prayer
Setting time aside every day to pray works wonders in faith and is overlooked more often than we think. Whether it be first thing in the morning or just before bed, making a conscious effort to dedicate time for prayer in your day-to-day routine is key. Not every prayer is going to come to fruition. Faith is not always about asking– it’s about believing in God’s plan. So no matter if you’re tired or don’t have the motivation, it’s important to stay faithful and trusting.
Bible study
Having a space to read the word and talk with others about God can be helpful in so many ways. For one, being surrounded by people with similar struggles in faith, or who have resonating testimonies, is refreshing. Bible studies help us to truly understand why we believe in God, and doing it with others helps us to emphasize and view God’s stories from different perspectives while connecting with our brothers and sisters.
Pray the Rosary
Sometimes praying on our own can be a bit daunting. Maybe we haven’t done it in a while or just can’t find what words to say. Praying the Rosary is a great way to connect with God and spend time with Him without the pressure of saying the right thing.
Listen to Christian Music
The music we listen to daily affects our mindset. By listening to Christian music, it can be easier to uplift our spirit and worship God regularly, helping us to feel closer to Him. Some artists I love are Montell Fish and Lord’s Child.
Watching Online Sermons
When I struggle with faith or want advice, I listen to online sermons and Christian podcasts. There are tons of preachers, sermons, podcasts, priests and people who share their faith online. I found these to be the most helpful when feeling lost or overwhelmed. “Girls Gone Bible” is a podcast I love listening to, and Pastor Mike Todd also gives good sermons that can be found on YouTube.
Holding accountability
Actively keeping ourselves in a state of gratefulness and trust in God can be difficult. But, taking subtle mindset shifts and corrections to be more grateful, accepting and loving makes a world of a difference in the long run.
Incorporating God in your passions
Whether you like to play sports, paint, write or some other activity, make an effort to incorporate God. By adding Him to the things you love, like praying before a race or asking Him to assist you in performing your best, you will begin to rely on and grow closer to God.
Style your faith
Glorify God through the way you present yourself! Dress comfortably and elegantly and add Him to your wardrobe by wearing a symbol of your faith like a cross or the Virgin Mary. I have a cross ring to remind myself of my faith and the sacrifice He made for us.
I hope these tips help and let us know which ones work for you in the comments!
