People who find joy in their faith usually practice these 8 daily habits

There’s a noticeable difference between simply having a religious faith and truly finding joy in it.

This difference often lies in the daily habits people practice. People who find joy in their faith aren’t just going through the motions. They are actively engaging with their beliefs in ways that bring happiness and fulfillment.

People who experience this joy often have certain daily habits they follow. I’ve observed eight of these practices that seem to be the most common.

In this article, I’ll be sharing these eight daily habits for you to consider incorporating into your own routine. Guaranteed, they won’t all resonate with you, but maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a couple that make your faith feel more rewarding and joy-filled.

1) Daily prayer or meditation

The first and perhaps most common habit of those who find joy in their faith is daily prayer or meditation.

Prayer and meditation provide a direct line of communication with the divine. It’s a personal, private time to seek guidance, express gratitude, or simply to find peace in the presence of a higher power.

People who find joy in their faith often set aside specific times each day for this practice. It becomes a part of their daily routine, as natural as brushing their teeth or having breakfast.

Think about it. How often do you set aside quiet moments for yourself? Moments where you can connect with your faith on a deep, personal level?

Regular prayer and meditation not only deepen the connection to your faith but also offer a sense of peace and grounding that often spills over into other areas of your life.

This habit doesn’t require any special tools or specific locations. All it requires is a few moments of your time each day and an open heart.

So if you’re looking to find more joy in your faith, consider making daily prayer or meditation a part of your routine. It might just make all the difference.

Just remember, it’s not about the quantity of time spent, but the quality of the connection made during these quiet moments.

2) Gratitude journaling

Now, this is a habit that has personally transformed my faith journey: gratitude journaling.

Every morning, as part of my routine, I take a few moments to jot down a handful of things I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be big things; it could be the taste of my morning coffee or the sound of birds chirping outside my window.

This exercise helps me start each day with a positive mindset, and it’s also a reminder of the countless blessings in my life that I believe come from my faith.

The beauty of gratitude journaling is that it compels you to constantly look for the good in your day-to-day life. This practice has fundamentally changed how I view my world and deepened my connection to my faith.

I’ve found joy in moments where I might have previously overlooked. And on difficult days, flipping through the pages of my gratitude journal serves as a reminder of all the good around me.

If you’re curious about finding more joy in your faith, consider giving gratitude journaling a try. It’s a simple habit that can create a powerful shift in perspective.

3) Regular community involvement

Community involvement is a cornerstone of many faiths, and it’s also a common habit amongst people who find joy in their faith. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, participating in a faith-based organization, or simply helping out a neighbor in need, these actions can deepen the sense of connectedness to both faith and community.

And here’s something to ponder: A study published in the American Sociological Review found that people who are more involved in their religious communities report higher levels of personal happiness.

So, by actively participating in your community, you’re not just helping others; you might also be boosting your own happiness levels. Plus, there’s often an added sense of fulfillment when these acts of service are tied to your beliefs.

Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a larger commitment, consider finding ways to get involved in your community. It could be a meaningful way to find joy in your faith and contribute positively to the world around you.

4) Reading and reflection

Another common habit among those who find joy in their faith is regular reading and reflection on sacred texts.

Whether it’s the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, or any other religious text, these writings often serve as a guide for moral and spiritual direction. By regularly reading and reflecting on these texts, individuals can deepen their understanding of their faith’s teachings and apply them in their daily life.

Reading alone can be enlightening, but taking the time to reflect on what you’ve read can lead to personal insights and a deeper connection to your faith. Reflection can involve quiet contemplation, journaling your thoughts, or even discussing your insights with others.

So, if you’re looking to find a deeper joy in your faith, consider making reading and reflection a part of your daily routine. It’s an enriching practice that can offer new perspectives and deepen your connection to your faith.

5) Forgiveness and letting go

This one is a bit more emotional, but incredibly important: the practice of forgiveness and letting go.

People who find joy in their faith understand that holding onto anger, resentment, or past hurts can become a heavy burden. It’s like carrying a backpack filled with rocks – it weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward freely.

Practicing forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing hurtful actions. Instead, it’s about releasing the hold they have on you. It allows you to focus on the present and future rather than being tied to the past.

For many, their faith provides the strength and guidance needed to practice forgiveness. It’s not always easy, but the freedom that comes from letting go of these burdens can bring immense joy.

So, if there are heavy burdens you’ve been carrying around, perhaps it’s time to consider practicing forgiveness. It might just lighten your load and bring a newfound joy in your faith.

6) Honoring faith-based traditions

Maintaining and honoring faith-based traditions is another habit that brings joy to many. These traditions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, as well as a connection to the past.

For me, lighting a candle each evening has become a cherished tradition. It’s a small act, but it’s a visual reminder of the light I believe my faith brings into my life. It’s a moment of serenity amidst the busyness of life and a chance to reflect on my day.

Whether it’s a weekly ritual, an annual celebration, or just a simple daily act that reminds you of your faith, maintaining these traditions can bring joy and deepen your connection to your beliefs.

So, consider what traditions resonate with you. They can serve as anchors in your faith journey and offer moments of joy in your daily life.

7) Mindful living

Mindful living is another habit commonly practiced by those who find joy in their faith. This involves being fully present in each moment, rather than letting life pass by unnoticed.

When we live mindfully, we become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This heightened awareness can deepen our appreciation for life and our connection to our faith.

Mindful living can take many forms, from mindful eating to mindful walking or simply taking a few moments each day to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment.

By slowing down and becoming more present in your daily life, you might just find a deeper joy and appreciation for your faith. It’s a simple practice, but one that can have profound effects on your overall wellbeing and spiritual connection.

8) Living out your values

The most important habit and the one that truly ties all others together is living out your values.

People who find joy in their faith don’t just believe in their spiritual values – they live them out in their daily lives. This means showing kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love in actions, not just in words.

Living out your values brings your faith into your everyday life. It makes it a part of who you are, rather than something you simply believe in. This integration of faith and life can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.

So, consider the values at the core of your faith. How can you live them out more fully in your everyday life? This is perhaps the most powerful habit you can develop to find joy in your faith.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

The journey of faith is deeply personal and unique for each individual.

Finding joy in faith isn’t always about grand gestures or monumental moments. Often, it’s found in the small, daily habits that we cultivate over time.

The 8 practices shared here aren’t a definitive list, but they are common threads that many joyful believers incorporate into their lives. Daily prayer, gratitude journaling, community involvement, reading and reflection, forgiveness, honoring traditions, mindful living, and living out your values – these are all stepping stones on the path to a more joyful faith experience.

As you navigate your own faith journey, remember the words of Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Perhaps therein lies the secret to finding joy in faith – doing small things with great love every day. Reflect on these practices and consider how you might weave them into your own life. The journey might just lead you to a deeper joy in your faith.