Joy in Connection · Games & Activities
Psalm Bingo
Everyone loves Bingo! Psalm Bingo is a fun way to bring God’s Word into a familiar and enjoyable activity.
Games are a wonderful way to create laughter, interaction, and connection. They give residents an opportunity to participate at their own level and enjoy time together without the pressure of having to remember or perform.
What you need
- Large, easy-to-see Bingo cards with words, phrases, or pictures from familiar Psalms
- Markers for the cards
- Optional: a small flower, sticker, or encouraging Scripture card for each winner
Use simple words and pictures, such as love, joy, peace, shepherd, sheep, water, green pastures, light, hope, and praise.
Oriental Trading Company offers a variety of simple, inexpensive games and faith-based activities. Search “Christian Games” for ideas that can easily be adapted for care facility visits.
How to play
- Call one word or picture at a time.
- Take a moment to connect it to Scripture. When “shepherd” is called, you might say, “The Lord is my shepherd. What does a shepherd do for his sheep?”
- Give residents plenty of time to find a match. Volunteers can sit beside residents, point to the pictures or words, and help them place their markers.
- Celebrate every little success. Cheer when someone finds a match. Laugh together. Encourage one another.
- When someone calls “Bingo!” make it a celebration for everyone.
Make it a connection
Make it about more than winning. Use the game to laugh together, encourage one another, and create opportunities for conversation. Or simply read a short verse about peace. Try saying:
- “I see you have ‘peace’ on your card. What brings you peace?”
- “I hope you experience God’s peace today.”
For residents with memory loss
For residents with dementia, keep the game simple, relaxed, and encouraging. And don’t worry if someone doesn’t follow the rules or doesn’t get Bingo. The goal isn’t to see who wins—the goal is to help everyone experience the joy of being included.
A simple game can become a doorway to joy, conversation, memories, and faith.