Keeping God in the Center of Your Family During Vacation

June 10, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Keeping God in Your Vacation

Peace be with you!

It is Summertime in the United States, and for many of us that means vacation! Family vacations are such a wonderful time spent reconnecting, learning, relaxing, and growing together. They are an interlude full of fun, often providing new scenes and schedules. Because of this, it is very easy to get out of the routine that you have become accustomed to and that includes your prayer life. Today we will be talking about how to keep God in the center of your family during a vacation.

The Importance of Staying Steadfast in Prayer

Saint Ignatius of Loyola wrote 14 rules for the discernment of spirits in spiritual warfare. In his fifth rule, he states: “In times of desolation never make a change, but be firm and constant in the proposals and determinations in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which one was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation the good spirit guides and counsels us more, so in desolation the bad spirit, with whose counsels we cannot find the way to a right decision.” The enemy is weak when we are strong and strong when we are weak.

Whether you’re in a season of consolation or desolation, it is of paramount importance that you continue to be faithful in your prayer life. God is like a lighthouse, and you are on a boat. When the water is clear and the weather is great, it is easy to see Him. You know He’s there and you are not afraid. When there is a storm and the waters are turbulent, it may be more difficult to see the Lord, but you still know that He’s there. You need to rely on the memory of the times that He delivered you, especially when you are unsure.

This same principal applies to seasons of aridity in prayer, or times when it may seem easier to skip it. On vacation, when things may be loose or unplanned, it can be tempting to take a break from your habit of talking to God. Your relationship with God is not something that comes and goes or is put on pause just because you are experiencing a change in your life. He cares for you equally in every season of your life and He desires connection with you regardless of what you’re going through.

How to Keep God in the Center

A key way to keep God in the forefront of your mind and heart is to plan ahead. Think of the days and ways that you will be traveling. If you’re going to be in the car for a stretch of time, you can plan a family prayer time in the middle of the trip or during a stretch of land that may not be as exciting as other views. Think of where you will be on Sundays and look up Mass times at locations closest to you. Figure out how long it will take to get ready and how far away the church is. Make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding times and determine exactly when you have to leave or be in the car.

Like any relationship, our connection with God is ever-changing and evolving. It is normal to become complacent in the repetitiveness of certain prayers. But remember, our God is awesome and has an abundance of gifts to give us! He can be found in many places amidst fun and new adventures. Just as a vacation can bring about a refreshing change, a new prayer routine or place of worship can bring a new level of excitement into your relationship with Him.

If you typically pray indoors, find a quiet place where you could pray and connect with God in the beautiful nature He created. You can switch up the scenery or location to say your prayers. Maybe you could pray on a walk or a drive instead of sitting or kneeling. You could pray with different music or sounds. Work the routine of daily prayer into whatever it is that you are excited about seeing or experiencing during your vacation! That way, prayer will not hinder your fun but rather, amplify it.

Talk about it with your family

Talking with your family about praying during your vacation can be helpful for so many reasons! It is very typical for each family member to be in a different place on their spiritual journey. Maybe one or more of your children is having a hard time connecting to God or feeling His presence. It could be very difficult for them to choose prayer over a different activity. If this is the case, you have an opportunity to normalize that for them. Help them to see that everyone goes through times like that. The devil wants us to feel isolated and wrong for these struggles. Being able to bust that myth for them will not only help to soothe their troubled spirit, but also create an incredible connection between you both.

Whatever it is that your children happen to be feeling or thinking, I encourage you to tell them that it is normal and that they are not bad or wrong for it. Then, you can work on a plan forward together from a place of peace and love. I also encourage you to be honest with your own struggles. You can open up about some things that you have overcome or learned from in your own spiritual journey.

Ask each person in your family for their thoughts and suggestions on how you can all make prayer fun. You may be surprised at how many great ideas can come from members of all ages! We are each so creative in our individuality and ideas, and having an open mind helps everyone to feel seen, heard, and valued as a part of the family. Then, when you participate in the activities and prayers together, each person gets to feel excited and proud of their contribution!

Click here to see some awesome resources for family prayer.

Before You Go

Do you have fun plans for a vacation coming up?

Do you frequently have open conversations with your family about each other’s prayer lives?

Have you learned anything new in this article?

I would LOVE to hear from you. Send me an email to Catholic-Living@Autom.com Be sure to follow and subscribe to the links below for more tips and information.