5 ways to stay connected to Jesus this summer

by Kaylee Holzwart, MAC
This article is also available as a printable download.

As summer unfolds with its long, sun-filled days and slower pace, it offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our connection with Jesus and help our children grow in their faith. With school out and schedules more flexible, it’s a natural time to build habits that can carry into the rest of the year. Without the structure of the school day, however, it can also be easy for faith rhythms to drift. Being intentional, even in small ways, can make a lasting difference.

Here are some practical ways to keep Jesus at the center of your family’s summer:

1. Pray Daily

Incorporating a few moments of prayer into your day can transform the ordinary into something sacred. Whether it’s a prayer of gratitude in the morning, a quick prayer while driving, or a quiet moment before bed, these small rhythms help keep your family grounded in faith. Over time, these simple moments shape how children learn to turn to God in both joy and need.

Encourage your children to join in. Prayer doesn’t need to be long or formal—just honest communication with God. Even short, consistent prayers can build a strong foundation of trust and dependence on Him.

Tip: Create a simple family prayer time after meals or before bed.

2. Engage with Scripture

Even a small portion of Scripture can refresh your spirit. Setting aside a few minutes each day to read a verse or short passage keeps God’s Word present in your home. These moments don’t have to feel like a formal lesson. Instead, think of them as ongoing conversations about faith.

Invite your children into the discussion. Ask what they notice, what they wonder about, and how the passage might connect to their day. This helps them see that Scripture is not just something we read, but something we live.

Tip: Choose a verse to focus on each week and return to it throughout your days.

3. Make Worship a Family Adventure

Find creative ways to worship as a family, even if you’re on vacation or staying close to home. You can listen to worship music while driving, sing songs together before bed, or find local churches to visit if you're traveling. Take time to connect with Him through nature walks, hikes, or even just a walk around the neighborhood. As you explore, pause to reflect on God’s handiwork, whether it’s the flowers in bloom, a sunset, or waves moving the water. Teach your children to see God in everything around them. Worship can happen anywhere and anytime.

Tip: Create a summer playlist with your kids’ favorite worship songs.

4. Teach the Value of Quiet Time

Teach your children to find moments of quiet and stillness with God. Whether through reading Bible stories, journaling, or simply sitting in silence, learning to be still before God is a vital practice. It’s a reminder that even in our busy world, God is always near, and He is waiting to speak into our hearts.

Tip: Help your children start their own prayer journals or create a quiet spot in the home for individual reflection time.

5. Model Joy and Gratitude

Children learn by observing, so let them see how you live out your faith. One of the most powerful ways to stay connected to Jesus is through joy and gratitude. Summer can be a time for fun. Encourage your children to see all the joy and fun in summer as a gift from God. Even during challenging times, focus on the blessings around you. When you model gratitude, whether in times of abundance or struggle, you teach your children the importance of praising God in all circumstances.

Tip: Start a “gratitude jar” in your home where each family member writes something they are thankful for each week, and then share them during a family time.

As you enjoy the freedom and rhythm of summer, remember that staying connected to Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about living with intention and recognizing His presence in everyday life. Small, consistent practices can have a lasting impact, helping your family grow in faith not just during the summer, but throughout the entire year.

May this be a season where your family grows closer to God, enjoys His creation, and experiences His love in fresh and meaningful ways.

Wishing you a blessed and faith-filled summer!