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 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 . Help me to be a good sport. She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. 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. Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, I train to bring You glory. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. Lord, I call upon you to say to my daughter pick yourself up and run with the wind, faster than you have ever before. Amen. Their reasons for using these. Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. 2. 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. 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. But as true competitors, we need to ask, What is the proper way to pray before entering the battle? We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show goodsportsmanship despite the outcome. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Thank you for giving me your word. I sweat for the One who made me. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Amen. 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!!!. Always let me help my opponent up. If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. You stoop down to make me great. "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Grant Athlete's Prayer God, let me play well but fairly. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Ive put in the work. Prayer to Work Hard Almighty Father, you said that if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victors crown unless he competes according to the rules. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. I praise to you Lord almighty to help my daughter overcome fear of her physical problems and give her the strength that she once had to guide her and to empower her in her chosen sport. they will walk and not be faint." Please bless our team with passion for this wonderful sport, with unity of heart and mind and with a vision to try our hardest. Keep us safe from injury and harm. 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. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Amen. All rights reserved. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. Understanding what God wants could change your approach to prayer. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite I know you will strengthen Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. Help me heart fully feel your love and the life that you give. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. We pray that we would look to you in awe and worship. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. And in all things may Christ be praised! Amen. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. 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. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). 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. But the honest and noble way we get there. When we look back on this competition, let us see that we committed ourselves fully to the game and emerged with dignity and respect for our competition. My passion for competition comes from above. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. 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. Let peace be my shield at the start. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. Prayers from Gods people should hold Him up as high and holy and desire for his kingdom to come and His ways to rule on the earth. The following prayer is fitting for a game, competition, workout, or even practice: To those who lack might, you increase their power. Help me train and play but not become weary. May 14, 2022 Prayer for athletes before a game When your child is playing a competitive sport, it can seem overwhelming. 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. Help me to learn something that matters Thank you for giving me your word. Help me to use them as gifts from you. 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. 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. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. This includes the wins as well as the losses. I am Your warrior in the heat of battle. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit. Athlete's team prayer before a game of sport (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). 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. Amen. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. In your holy name, I pray. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Amen. 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. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our words and our actions, is pleasing to you. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. Keep my light strong and bright. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Help us to play to the best of our abilities. Amen. Grant your wisdom that the contestants will value more the camaraderie and cooperation that would happen today more that the glory of winning. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. Prayer of Thanks for Great Talent Lord, my Savior, it is you who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Why Does Modern Architecture Look So Bad? 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. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. I utter what You desire. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. An issue has occurred. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Protecting God, as we enter into this competition, we pray for our protection and for the protection of those with whom we will compete. 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? Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. weeks and days before. Amen. Do you define winning by the scoreboard or by Christlike competition? May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. A few days before the start of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul, the French team is traveling to a battered country. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. 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. Just remember you dont win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. 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). Amen. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. Amen. The athlete pregame prayer should instead be about no turning back, I will . In your holy name, I pray. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. God, let me play well but fairly. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Grant that we not take days like this for granted. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. The champion inside of me is Jesus. Prayer for the Team Dear Lord, you have blessed our team with many gifts and talents. They will soar on wings like eagles; 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. Amen. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports, Spiritual Thirst A Reflection on the Samaritan, Your email address will not be published. Lord Jesus, you tell us that whenever two or more are gathered in your name, you are present in their midst. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. will renew their strength. 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. Amen. Make my path straight and give me the perseverance and grace to complete my training with all my effort and with a good attitude. They are often smiling, dancing around, chatting it up, or . Help me run with purpose in every step. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). Want to see fewer ads on Aleteia? this momentous occasion a remarkable experience of your love and generosity. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. I will submit to You as my Ultimate Coach. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. Keep us safe from injury and harm. 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? Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. 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 faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. An understanding mind that this competition is among friends. 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. Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. Help me to understand and internalize your word, and act according to your will. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. Amen. Develop in me a pure heart. SPORTS PRAYER BEFORE GAME ATHLETE'S PRAYER God, let me play well but fairly. they will run and not grow weary, This year many Olympians have added another. 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). My body is Your temple; nothing enters my body that is not honoring to You. Help us to play in a way that fosters goodwill, teamwork and makes great memories for us to cherish the rest of our lives. once the game is over. Amen. As a true competitor, what is the correct way to pray before entering the heat of battle? Help us to be aware Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. . Amen. 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!. My drive comes from the Holy Spirit. Amen. Just click to listen now. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our wordsand our actions, is pleasing to you. Prayer for Conduct Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather togetherthis afternoon/evening in competition. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Keep them from injury, sickness, or harm of any kind. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Here is a great prayer that you can pray before a game, competition, workout or even practice: "Lord, I compete for You alone. I serve those on my team and those I compete against. 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.. 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. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. May you bless the organizers, judges, athletes and everyone, For their cooperation and unity in making. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. 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. The rituals before a competition can often make or break a quality performance for that athlete. Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together this afternoon/evening in competition. Settle my temper so that I treat everyone with courtesy. Bless also the losers that they may be gracious in their loss. Where sport culture, relationships, character, identity, and faith collide. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. I declare my loyalty to You. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind is prepare. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. Typically, athletes engage in sport-related prayer to seek secular goals such as performance enhancement and victory. Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. He is currently president of the Gospel Underground. Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. You have let me become a light! Remind me that sports are just games. Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. Amen. And realize that they would not have succeeded without you. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. .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. How can you develop your prayer life in the arena of competition? Develop in me a pure heart. Self Awareness. It's FREE! That would stoop into superstition and silliness (I've got my eye on you baseball players!). Amen. When we look back on this competition, let us see that we committed ourselves fully to the game and emerged with dignity and respect for our competition. Let joy fill the sails of my heart. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. In Your name, I pray. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports. -Psalm 62:8. "(Phil 3:13-15, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord my heart. All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." May my love and worship of You supersede all things in my heart today whether we win, lose or draw., God let the practice of my craft be expressed fully in the game today when I have opportunity. 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. Amen. Amen. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. Prayers from Gods people should hold Him up as high and holy and desire for his kingdom to come and His ways to rule on the earth. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Amen. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. Amen. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. So what follows is both practical and provocative. May my love and worship of You supersede all things in my heart today whether we win, lose or draw., God let the practice of my craft be expressed fully in the game today when I have opportunity. In today's society prayer has been a pivotal part of many athletes' lives. 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.. your children, no matter what uniform we wear. Let the winners learn that they succeeded because of your blessing and guiding presence. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. Please try again or contact website administrator. Help me to play well, to use my talents to the fullest. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. My sweat is an offering to my heavenly Master. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, A few post-game ideas as we close. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. It is tough and I am not enjoying it. Amen. 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. I am exhausted from training and playing hard. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. 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. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time forgratitude. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. All of my abilities are from You, Jesus. 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. There's a great theological truth you need to know: When you step on the playing field, God is with you. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. 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. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. Lord, we thank you for the gifts and abilities you have blessed these athletes with,and we pray that they may use them to glorify you. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. 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. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. Watching these different athletes . If you did well, give glory to Jesus. ". Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. 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. And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. Lord, we thank you for the gifts and abilities you have blessed these athletes with, and we pray that they may use them to glorify you. Help me keep my sense of humor during the stress of the game, and the grace to follow the rules. Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain .