10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show goodsportsmanship despite the outcome. Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you. Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. My only goal is to glorify the name of Christ. It's FREE! They are often smiling, dancing around, chatting it up, or . The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. Pray for athletes with this prayer to St. Sebastian. Thank you for what you have done for me. 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. An understanding mind that this competition is among friends. My drive comes from the Holy Spirit. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. We dont want to stoop down into the mud of blaming God for defeats or just praising him for victories. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. 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. 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. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Amen. 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. My sweat is an offering to my heavenly Master. May you bless the organizers, judges, athletes and everyone, For their cooperation and unity in making. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Ive put in the work. You enable me to stand on heights. Amen. I declare my loyalty to You. To win is to honor Him. Thank you for giving me your word. they will run and not grow weary, 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). 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! Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. God, let me play well but fairly. Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. A strong support group is necessary to achieve success in any sport. 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 Training All-knowing Savior, the training and rigor is not fun. Thank you for all you have given me. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! They will soar on wings like eagles; Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. Amen. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. 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). Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our wordsand our actions, is pleasing to you. 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. 2. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. Amen. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). To those who lack might, you increase their power. Loving Father, we deeply gratify You for Your divine presence from the distant past, to the exact present, and in the near future. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. 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. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. Help me run with purpose in every step. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. Ive put in the work. Amen. 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. will renew their strength. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. 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. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit of sportsmanship 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. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. An Athlete's Prayer Dear God, Today is game day and I place myself in your loving hands. 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. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. All of my abilities are from You, Jesus. Bless also the losers that they may be gracious in their loss. Amen. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. 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. If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. May your loving heart fill each of us so that, We could realize that it is not winning that truly counts. I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. 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. Amen. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Help me keep my sense of humor during the stress of the game, and the grace to follow the rules. As a true competitor, what is the correct way to pray before entering the heat of battle? It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. 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. Yale athletes gave us 9 of their most valued game-day rituals. Some of these habits, may include praying. Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. 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. 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.. Check out this great video from Pastor Rick Warren on how to fight discouragement and finish your goals. 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. There's a great theological truth you need to know: When you step on the playing field, God is with you. 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. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! Grant that we not take days like this for granted. Amen. Being the best person you can be does not go without its setbacks. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. He is currently president of the Gospel Underground. 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. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. 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. Amen. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Athlete's Prayer God, let me play well but fairly. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their team. Keep Jesus' words in mind as we reflect on how we shouldpray: Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 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. Theres a great theological truth you need to know:When you step on the playing field, God is with you. they will walk and not be faint." It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. This year many Olympians have added another. Prayer For Competition Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Amen. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. 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. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. How we process the post-game is important. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind isprepare. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. 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. "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Prayer for Grace God our Father, you have created usto strive for the best. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. This includes the wins as well as the losses. Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Bless us with a team spirit An issue has occurred. In today's society prayer has been a pivotal part of many athletes' lives. 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. Help me to be a good sport. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. Olympic athletes have a unique opportunity every four years to inspire the world with their physical strength, graceful movements and mental stamina. Self Awareness. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. 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. Amen. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. let it be a good one. Amen. Amen. -Psalm 62:8. They do it to get a crown that will not last. 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? I play for You, Lord, when I put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. And in all things may Christ be praised! Food. And finally, we pray for your grace,that you would provide uswith the endurance to pursue our heavenly prize:eternal life in Your Son. Amen. Practice Positive Self Talk. Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. Let peace be my shield at the start. Calm or minds so we can think clearly and play our best. Prayer for Awareness of Gods Presence Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. Help us all to play in a Christ-like manner. ". Unless noted otherwise, the material of this website is copyright free. They will soar on wings like eagles; Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. "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. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates. 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. Amen. 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. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. I will play by the rules. 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.. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Remind us how blessed we truly are. Watching these different athletes . Please bless our team with passion for this wonderful sport, with unity of heart and mind and with a vision to try our hardest. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. 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? Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. Through the pain and through the cheers, I will not give in or give up. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. Please keep them all safe on their way to my game, during my game, and on their way home from the game. once the game is over. Amen. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. Amen. Help me to play well, to use my talents to the fullest. I utter what You desire. Just remember you dont win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. Help us to play to the best of our abilities. You have let me become a light! 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. will renew their strength. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. Let me run in the land of my dreams. 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. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The athletes who use a clear mindset are those you see before a competition talking to coaches, teammates, or even their competition. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. 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. Amen. New subscribers receive the first chapter of my new book: The Christian Athlete (and other resources too). There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. 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 showing me my ability to play sports. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, 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. In your name, I pray. Amen. Let me be all of this now for You. weeks and days before. I do it to get a crown that will last forever. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Prayer For Athletes 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. A few post-game ideas as we close. 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. Help us hit our mark and not make mistakes. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. 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. Prayer of Thanks for Great Talent Lord, my Savior, it is you who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. they will run and not grow weary, 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 have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. 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. Read more: Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. .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. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain . Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016.