Keep us safe from injury and harm. I am Your warrior in the heat of battle. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Let no root of bitterness get stuck in my soul today because of a game., Lord, let me give everything I have today and let me play really well and find joy in you doing something you've made me to do!. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show goodsportsmanship despite the outcome. Protect them from injury and harm. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Prayer for Awareness of Gods Presence Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. they will run and not grow weary, Do you define winning by the scoreboard or by Christlike competition? Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time forgratitude. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Let me be all of this now for You. Why Does Modern Architecture Look So Bad? Unless noted otherwise, the material of this website is copyright free. Pray for athletes with this prayer to St. Sebastian. My body is Your temple; nothing enters my body that is not honoring to You. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. I wait for you, Lord, to give me new strengthto run and not get tired. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. We dont want to stoop down into the mud of blaming God for defeats or just praising him for victories. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. He is currently president of the Gospel Underground. 6. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. your children, no matter what uniform we wear. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. Amen. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (I've got my eye on you baseball players!). Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. It is not immodest to perform in the arena and display the talents which derive from God grace. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. So what follows is both practical and provocative. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Keep Jesus words in mind as we reflect on how we should pray: 9 Pray then like this:Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Bless the winners that they may be humble in their victory. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time for gratitude. of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. And in all things may Christ be praised! Olympic athletes have a unique opportunity every four years to inspire the world with their physical strength, graceful movements and mental stamina. Prayer for Grace God our Father, you have created usto strive for the best. my heart. Thank you for showing me my ability to play sports. Therefore, when a Christian athlete prays before a competition he/she is praying to act up to their fullest potential. "I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us. Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do. Amen. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their team. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. "Our creative words, music and films are to serve youour heart is to bring hope into suffering, light into dark places, and inspiration to release God's love like a wave of restoration into a broken world. Repetition in a familiar environment can help alleviate a lot of stress when preparing the athlete for competition. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Amen. The Prayer of Jabezan ancient prayer from the bible for protection, guidance and blessingJabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! We pray that we would look to you in awe and worship. Prayer to Show Respect Protecting God, as we enter into this competition, we pray for our protection and for the protectionof those with whom we will compete. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. Amen. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). Protecting God, as we enter into this competition, we pray for our protection and for the protection of those with whom we will compete. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. Equally as important for the physical ability of an athlete as it is the mental comfort, many athletes tend to consume certain meals, snacks, or drinks before the competition with the intention of replicating past successful performance by producing similar energy levels. Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. They will soar on wings like eagles; Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain . Thank God for at least one difficult thing in the game that you really didnt like and that was really hard for youas an act of faith. I pray that I do not seek individual glory or accolades, but rather that I play for your glory and for the good of my team. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Philip Kosloski - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 02/13/22. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. God is our refuge." Keep Jesus words in mind as we reflect on how we should pray: Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. A few days before the start of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul, the French team is traveling to a battered country. How can you develop your prayer life in the arena of competition? Always let me help my opponent up. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. weeks and days before. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV), "Dear God, may everything I am be a prayer to you". Amen. Required fields are marked *. Prayer for Appreciation Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for these two teams, for the chance to study, to understand the world around us a little better, for the health to be here, for the thrill of a sporting event and for individuals leaning to play as a team. Thank you for giving me your word. Grant us the patience and the determination to face each question and challenges in life, as well as the ones in this competition. Maywe play hard and fair. Prayer For Complete Healing In Jesus Name, Prayer For Complete Healing After Surgery. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. Practice Positive Self Talk. they will run and not grow weary, Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Sign up for our Premium service. Yale athletes gave us 9 of their most valued game-day rituals. The Hail Mary consists of the words "Hail Mary, full of grace" followed by "the Lord is with you." Help me run with purpose in every step. How we process the post-game is important. Amen. If through athletics I set an example, During the gaps in the games, what if you prayed for a struggling friend or someone whose anger is hindering them from their best play? Feb. 27, 2023 Bob Richards, the only male two-time winner of the Olympic pole vault, who in the 1950s became a hero of American Cold War competition with the Soviet Union and a breakfast-table. Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Just remember you dont win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. With Prayerscapes songs, ministry tracks and meditative instrumental music. Watching these different athletes . Prayer for Before Any Game God our Father, help us to put forth our best effort, to represent our school withclass, to respect our opponents, and to grow as disciples of your Son, Jesus. They are often smiling, dancing around, chatting it up, or . Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. Be with me when I need to play hurt, when I have to deal with the pain of injury, disappointment or losing. let it be a good one. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. When Jesus was asked to teach his friends to pray he gave them an example which was passed down to us as the Lords Prayer.. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. Prayer for Goodwill Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us andIn our community of (Insert School/League Name). Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Thank God for at least one difficult thing in the game that you really didnt like and that was really hard for youas an act of faith. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. We ask that all involved in todays/tonights game may be kept free from injuriesand that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. I play for You, Lord, when I put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. In the days beyond this one, please guide us with Your everlasting and unfailing love so that we may continue to live and touch others with what good we have within, so that we may leave our mistakes in the past, and so that we may be better children of Yours. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. Let me run in the land of my dreams. Help me to understand and internalize your word, and act according to your will. Heavenly Father, we also would like to ask forgiveness for all the sins we have committed in our pursuit of success, as well as in our daily lives. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. 3. Let joy fill the sails of my heart. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Also featuring daily morning and evening prayers, and petitions for various occasions and events. My heart yearns for Your applause. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Amen. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Calm or minds so we can think clearly and play our best. Prayer for Conduct Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather togetherthis afternoon/evening in competition. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. I sweat for the One who made me. This year many Olympians have added another. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. Through the pain and through the cheers, I will not give in or give up. And most of all, help me to be a good example to other athletes. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. Help us to play with all our strength and with the spirit of good sportsmanship. But the honest and noble way we get there. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. When Jesus was asked to teach his friends to pray he gave them an example which was passed down to us as the Lord's Prayer.. Doing the same or similar things before matches or games can help calm the mind and focus the athletes heart on the task at hand. It's FREE! -Psalm 62:8. We thank You for the multitude of blessings You have bestowed upon us in the form of our families and friends, our abilities and talents, and even the most uncanny circumstances. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. "Pour out your hearts before Him. Read uplifting prayers for healing, strength and renewal! 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. Read more: You have made my light shine before everyone! Amen. he shall set me high upon a rock. Prayer for Referees Almighty Father, we ask that your wisdom comes over the referees for our game, so that they may have clarity of thought and discernment when making the calls. Amen. Grant Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence among us and within us. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016. Win or lose, we hope to have fun, make friends and celebrate life. The Lord's Prayer and its use in sport is discussed as it is commonly used by athletes and teams in association with athletic competition. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. Please keep them all safe on their way to my game, during my game, and on their way home from the game. Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reachmore than 20 million unique users per month! The athletes who use a clear mindset are those you see before a competition talking to coaches, teammates, or even their competition. A strong support group is necessary to achieve success in any sport. Many times pre-game prayers can be a "rah-rah" talk or desperate plea for a big win. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. And realize that as long as they have done their best, it is also a victory for them. God, let me play well but fairly. In your name, I pray. I am humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Prayer For Competition Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports. The I Thessalonians 5passage tells us togive thanks in all things. A few post-game ideas as we close. Amen. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." "My Three Daughters Practice Athletics" Positive The Future Has Many Faces A Reflection. Always let me help my opponent up. You stoop down to make me great. ". There are so many scriptures about God being our present help in a time of trouble(Psalm 46:1), our strength and our shield(Psalm 28:7), our comforter (Isaiah 40:1, Matthew 5:4, Romans 15:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17), the one who prepares our hand for battle (Psalm 144) and the one who will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5,6). Prayer for Training All-knowing Savior, the training and rigor is not fun. Doing the same or similar things before matches or games can help calm the mind and focus the athlete's heart on the task at hand. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. Help me heart fully feel your love and the life that you give. Bless us with a team spirit There is no greater victory. I will play by the rules. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. Ive put in the work. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite Theres a great theological truth you need to know:When you step on the playing field, God is with you. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. What if we could move away from simply selfish prayers during a game and learned to love God by thinking about other people in the middle of the games? Remind me that sports are just games. Amen. I Thessalonians 5 tells us to give thanks in all things. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Lord, I call upon you to say to my daughter pick yourself up and run with the wind, faster than you have ever before. There's a great theological truth you need to know: When you step on the playing field, God is with you. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete.