5 Ways to Connect with God Daily
As a former athlete, I know the pace of life in sports can feel relentless. Early morning workouts, long weekends traveling, late-night studying, and the ever-present pressure to perform—connecting with God can seem like just one more thing on your never-ending to-do list. But I’ve learned that finding God doesn’t require a complete break from your routine; God meets us in the middle of it! Here are five ways you can connect with God every day as an athlete:
1. Talk to God Like a Friend
Prayer doesn’t have to look like sitting quietly in a church pew with your eyes closed and hands folded. Prayer is simply a conversation with God, and it can happen anywhere—on your walk to class, in the car before practice, or even in the middle of a plank hold (I’ve had many of those). Speak to God like you’d talk to a close friend. Celebrate your wins, share your frustrations, and ask for strength when you feel like you have nothing left. God isn’t waiting for perfection—God just wants our presence!
2. See God in the People Around You
Teammates, coaches, trainers—every person you interact with carries the image of God. Take time to really listen to someone today. Ask a teammate how they’re doing, not just on the surface, but deep down. Pay attention to their story, their struggles, their joys, and their fears. Reflect and ask yourself: “How did I see the beauty of God through them?”
3. Pay Attention to the Earth
We spend so much time focused on our routines that we often forget about the world around us. But God is always revealing Godself through creation! The sunrise on the way to morning practice, the feel of grass under your cleats, the rhythm of your breath as you run—these are invitations to notice God’s handiwork. Take a moment to breathe deeply, look around, and remember that this beautiful world is a reflection of God’s love.
4. Practice Gratitude
Sports teach us to focus on improvement: run faster, lift heavier, play harder, get better. But connecting with God requires us to pause and give thanks for what already is. Each day, name three things you’re grateful for—your teammates, a good meal, the chance to do what you love. Gratitude is a practice that shifts our perspective. It reminds us that even in the chaos, God is here, providing for us in countless small ways!
5. Read and Meditate on Scripture
Another powerful way to connect with God is through the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina, or “sacred reading.” It’s a simple yet profound way to engage with scripture and invite God into your life. Here’s how you can try it:
Choose a Bible verse or passage—something that feels relevant to your day.
Read it slowly and thoughtfully.
After the second read, focus on a word or phrase that stands out to you. Why do you think it caught your attention?
Read for a third time.
Reflect on what this scripture says about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it might mean for your life.
Close with a brief prayer.
For example, if you read Isaiah 40:31 (“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength...”), you might find yourself drawn to the word “renew.” What does it mean for God to be a source of renewal in your busy, demanding life? How can you lean into that promise today?