How can you develop your prayer life in the arena of competition? It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Win or lose, we hope to have fun, make friends and celebrate life. I sweat for the One who made me. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, Let us enter into the competition in a spirit ofsportsmanship and with respect for members of the opposing team. You have let me become a light! Unless noted otherwise, the material of this website is copyright free. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Thank you for the opportunity to compete and bring out the best in each other. let it be a good one. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Prayer for the Crowd Sweet and loving Lord, I am on my knees before you today, asking for your protection over everyone that comes to see my game. Guide her and give her the strength and courage to compete in the forthcoming cross country and athletic competitions this year and in the coming year's. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. Watching these different athletes . In your holy name, I pray. Make me understand that the prize of winning the game here on earth will fade away, and that the real prize is eternal. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. We pray that we would look to you in awe and worship. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! 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. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. I wear Your jersey, Lord. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (I've got my eye on you baseball players!). Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Prayer for Grace God our Father, you have created usto strive for the best. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Thank you for what you have done for me. (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). And in all things may Christ be praised! The competition was maintained despite the earthquake which struck eastern Turkey and Syria on February 6, causing more than 50,000 deaths (including more than 44,000 in Turkey) according to the latest reports. Prayer for Before Any Game God our Father, help us to put forth our best effort, to represent our school with class, to respect our opponents, and to grow as disciples of your Son, Jesus. If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. Reducing anxiety and preparing for competitions, such as via the use of pre-game religious rituals and practices such as prayer, are evident among many athletes. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. Featured on this page are several inspiring prayers suitable for athletes and sports men and women to pray before an event, with an uplifting team prayer for a baseball or football team, a prayer for a coach or supporters to say and two short prayers suitable for carrying or memorizing. Help us to remember that we are all your children, no matter what uniform we wear. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. Help us to follow the rules and not be tempted to do things that may end up causing harm to others in our effort to win the game. Psalm 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. Help us to remember that we are all All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. my heart. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Universe of Faithis a Catholic website which offers an opportunity for any person to explore how the Catholic faith can be applied in real life and also to open windows on the teachings of the Catholic Church. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. The rituals before a competition can often make or break a quality performance for that athlete. An understanding mind that this competition is among friends. The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Strengthen my effort and focus when I train for my sport, and for the race I am running for the eternal prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Lord, I call upon you to say to my daughter pick yourself up and run with the wind, faster than you have ever before. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their team. Let me be all of this now for You. To win is to honor Him. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13, I Thessalonians 5:17,18tells us that part of walking with Jesus is to pray without ceasing.. You train my hands for battle. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Let my mind to be clear and focused so I can execute to the best of my abilities., Lord, let all glory today be yours and yours alone and let me score, win, lose, etc., in humility and giving all praise to you., God, your Word says that whatever we do to do with all our hearts as unto you. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. 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. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. Prayer for My Light Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. So what follows is both practical and provocative. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Amen. Prayer for Goodwill Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us andIn our community of (Insert School/League Name). Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. Amen. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Prayer for Health of Players Jesus, in our upcoming game, we ask for your protection over all of us, on our team and the opposing team, so that no one is injured during the game. Youll have to take the principle shared now and apply it to your own sports unique circumstances and game structures but it is applicable across all sports. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, We ask this through Christ, our Lord. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. They do it to get a crown that will not last. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. . Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain . Maywe play hard and fair. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. In his message for the Jubilee of Sports, he composed a short prayer for all athletes,. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. 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. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Top Prayers Wishes for Athletes Before A Game May 27, 2022 by David Saleh Prayers Wishes for Athletes Before A Game: Winning is the objective of any competition, but you can't win alone; you need the help of others. Run with her today .. run with her to finish in the top 6 of the Regional cross country. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. your children, no matter what uniform we wear. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. And so we are confident that as we lift up our thoughts to you, you are indeed with us. Amen. Grant to all athletes, coaches, and fans, strength to pursue excellenceduring this event. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. Make my path straight and give me the perseverance and grace to complete my training with all my effort and with a good attitude. Many athletes are superstitious, or go through the same series of progressions or habits before competition, because they believe it gives them luck or a better chance to perform optimally. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Prayer before Tough Game Heavenly Father, you promised that you would not abandon me. Amen. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Amen. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. once the game is over. I serve those on my team and those I compete against. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Thank you for all you have given me. A few post-game ideas as we close. 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). the outcome. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. What are your pre-game prayers like? Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.