Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. Because I am among all athletes who have been most richly blessed: You see, I lost by inches, but I won by a mile." Anonymous Player Prayer God, let me play well but fairly. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. 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? Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. Check out this great video from Pastor Rick Warren on how to fight discouragement and finish your goals. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. 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. 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.. All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. Amen. Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates these themes and asks God for protection of all athletes involved. 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. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. 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. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. All rights reserved. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! We pray this in your most holy name. We humbly gratify You for guiding us in our efforts to showcase the mathematical prowess You have entrusted with us, in every attempt to help others treasure and hone their own skills and talents, and in every move to inch our way up to the highest level of competitions such as these. Amen. I am exhausted from training and playing hard. and with respect for members of the opposing team. Prayer for My Light Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. 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? Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together this afternoon/evening in competition. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). Thank you for what you have done for me. Practice Positive Self Talk. And in all things may Christ be praised! So what follows is both practical and provocative. In your holy name, I pray. 1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. You have made my light shine before everyone! 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. You'll 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. And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. We humbly bow down to You as we seek forgiveness for our sins: when we were tempted to cheat, to let laziness overcome our zeal, to doubt others and ourselves, and to doubt even You, dear God, among all other wrongs we have committed. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). 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!. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. .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. Prayer before Tough Game Heavenly Father, you promised that you would not abandon me. Help us internalize the values of humility and sportsmanship, and grant us the humility or courage to accept whatever result awaits us. In light of that I offer these as a few examples of ways to pray: God help me today to honor you and all I do and say in this arena of sports (insert: field, court, mat, pool etc). Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. 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. Amen. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Psalm 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. They do it to get a crown that will not last. Lord help me work through this frustration, God help me relax and shut out distractions, Lord give more strength and endurance then I think I have, Lord forgive me for that flagrant file or stupid penalty where I lost my head. once the game is over. Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Athletes Prayer Before a Competition athletes prayers Let love fill my lungs (a prayer for an athlete to say before a race) Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, Let joy fill the sails of my heart. my heart. Some of these habits, may include praying. 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. Amen. I am humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Olympic athletes have a unique opportunity every four years to inspire the world with their physical strength, graceful movements and mental stamina. 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. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. 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). It has been renamed and reposted here with Reids permission. Prayer for Jesus to Hear Us Lord Jesus, you tell us that whenever two or more are gathered inyour name, you are present in their midst. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. May your loving heart fill each of us so that, We could realize that it is not winning that truly counts. But the honest and noble way we get there. I do it to get a crown that will last forever. It consists of exercises that increase flexibility, range of motion, and joint mobility, all of which are necessary for optimal athletic performance and injury prevention. Amen. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. the outcome. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). Keep us safe from injury and harm. Amen. 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 most of all, help me to be a good example to other athletes. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, Many times pre-game prayers can be a "rah-rah" talk or desperate plea for a big win. 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). he shall set me high upon a rock. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Be with me when I need to play hurt, when I have to deal with the pain of injury, disappointment or losing. It might seem strange to offer a prayer before an athletic event, but in truth, the prayer doesnt have to be for a particular winner. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. It's FREE! Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. 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.. Just click to listen now. Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. To those who lack might, you increase their power. Athlete's team prayer before a game of sport (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). If I lose,keep me from envy. I know you will strengthen they will walk and not be faint." Featured on this page are four inspiring prayers for team games and athletic events, with a short sports prayer, a prayer for a coach to pray for their team, the famous Serenity Prayer, and a prayer for athletes before a competition. 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. Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. And so we are confident that as we lift up our thoughts to you, you are indeed with us. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. I sweat for the One who made me. It is not immodest to perform in the arena and display the talents which derive from God grace. You can't be with your child every step of the way, but that doesn't mean you can't unite your hearts with his or her stance on the field. 2. This includes the wins as well as the losses. Prayer of Thanks for the Game Loving Savior, thank you for the opportunity we have in this nation to compete and use our talents through sports. Many times, pre-game prayers can be like a rah-rah talk or a desperate plea to God for a big win. 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. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. May you bless the organizers, judges, athletes and everyone, For their cooperation and unity in making. 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! Amen. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Athlete's team prayer before a game of sport (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). Understanding what God wants could change your approach to prayer. You said that people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl, but instead put it on a stand where it can give light to all who are in the house. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Let me play today in that light as a servant of Christ., Father, remind me that Im accepted by you fully in Jesus Christ as a daughter or son by faith. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. Therefore, when a Christian athlete prays before a competition he/she is praying to act up to their fullest potential. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. We pray this in your most holy name. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. 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. Amen. I feel Your delight when I compete. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. With Prayerscapes songs, ministry tracks and meditative instrumental music. Self Awareness. Yale athletes gave us 9 of their most valued game-day rituals. 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 youve made me to do!!!. I utter what You desire. 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. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. The athlete pregame prayer should instead be about no turning back, I will . Amen. Amen. Please keep them all safe on their way to my game, during my game, and on their way home from the game. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. A few post-game ideas as we close. Strong and faithful God,as we come together for this contest,we ask you to bless these athletes.Keep them safe from injury and harm,instill in them respect for each other,and reward them for their perseverance.Lead us all to the rewards of your kingdomwhere you live and reign for ever and ever. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. Always let me help my opponent up. You stoop down to make me great. Help me heart fully feel your love and the life that you give. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Unless noted otherwise, the material of this website is copyright free. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. Protecting God, as we enter into this competition, we pray for our protection and for the protection of those with whom we will compete. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, he shall set me high upon a rock. And realize that they would not have succeeded without you. There's a great theological truth you need to know: When you step on the playing field, God is with you. Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, New subscribers receive the first chapter of my new book: The Christian Athlete (and other resources too). Thank you for all you have given me. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Always let me help my. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. Help me keep my sense of humor during the stress of the game, and the grace to follow the rules. Amen. Prayer For Complete Healing In Jesus Name, Prayer For Complete Healing After Surgery. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind is prepare. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.- Matthew 6:9-13, I Thessalonians 5:17,18 tells us that part of walking with Jesus is to pray without ceasing.. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports. They will soar on wings like eagles; I train to bring You glory. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. The following prayer is fitting for a game, competition, workout, or even practice: Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Thank you for showing me my ability to play sports. Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. The use of prayer before and during sport performance can facilitate optimal performance through helping athletes develop an appropriate level of pre-competition awareness and, in turn, alleviate . Thank you for the opportunity to compete and bring out the best in each other. I am under Your authority. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit ofsportsmanship and with respect for members of the opposing team. How we process the post-game is important. We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. Keep them from injury, sickness, or harm of any kind. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. The I Thessalonians 5passage tells us togive thanks in all things. Help me to be a good sport. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. Help us to remember that we are all As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. I pray that all who play this game today are protected from physical harm. Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit.
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