If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Repetition in a familiar environment can help alleviate a lot of stress when preparing the athlete for competition. Amen. 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. Keep my light strong and bright. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Help the team work well and communicate with each other. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. This year many Olympians have added another. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Amen. Help us to remember that we are all your children, no matter what uniform we wear. of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. 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.. How should we pour out our hearts before God so that we will be spiritually ready for competition? Here is a great prayer that you can pray before a game, competition, workout or even practice: 1. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Help us to be aware of his presence with us in the game. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. Amen. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. weeks and days before. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. "My Three Daughters Practice Athletics" Positive The Future Has Many Faces A Reflection. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. 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. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. among us and within us. Thank you for giving me your word. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (I've got my eye on you baseball players!). Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. With Prayerscapes songs, ministry tracks and meditative instrumental music. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. I train to bring You glory. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. 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. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). Lord, I compete for You alone. I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. 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. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind is prepare. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. 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! Keep Jesus' words in mind as we reflect on how we shouldpray: Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Amen. And God granted his request. Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. 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. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Thank you for all you have given me. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Amen. 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. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind isprepare. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do. Amen. It has been renamed and reposted here with Reids permission. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. Amen. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. Grant your wisdom that the contestants will value more the camaraderie and cooperation that would happen today more that the glory of winning. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. 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. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Want to see fewer ads on Aleteia? Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. Amen. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. of his presence with us in the game. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 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. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. It is tough and I am not enjoying it. 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. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. I wear Your jersey, Lord. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Amen. He is currently president of the Gospel Underground. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). In Your name, I pray. I am Your warrior in the heat of battle. 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. In your name, I pray. I have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Any athlete, regardless of sport or level of competition, should include a Athlete Mobility Workout in their training routine. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Bless us with a team spirit Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit of sportsmanship let it be a good one. Amen. will renew their strength. Amen. Sign up for our Premium service. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Help us to play in a way that fosters goodwill, teamwork and makes great memories for us to cherish the rest of our lives. Keep us safe from injury and harm. Keep us safe from injury and harm. Maywe play hard and fair. The I Thessalonians 5passage tells us togive thanks in all things. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." Self Awareness. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Amen. Amen. the outcome. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. they will run and not grow weary, We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. they will run and not grow weary, Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! 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. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain . Help me keep my sense of humor during the stress of the game, and the grace to follow the rules. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, The following prayer is fitting for a game, competition, workout, or even practice: Positive Parental Involvement In Sports, Spiritual Thirst A Reflection on the Samaritan, Your email address will not be published. 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.. God is our refuge." Always let me help my. Loving Father, we deeply gratify You for Your divine presence from the distant past, to the exact present, and in the near future. Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, 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!!!. 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. These inspirational prayers and bible verses for athletes serve as the perfect source of inspiration to the types of things you can speak to the Lord about. and with respect for members of the opposing team. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. 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. We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. My only goal is to glorify the name of Christ. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. 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). 3. Develop in me a pure heart. 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. "(Phil 3:13-15, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord They do it to get a crown that will not last. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. Watching these different athletes . this momentous occasion a remarkable experience of your love and generosity. How we process the post-game is important. 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. 2019, Universe of Faith - Never Stop Searching. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. 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? Grant Where sport culture, relationships, character, identity, and faith collide. "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. 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. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Help us to play to the best of our abilities. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016. All our latest music releases in one place! While interning with Fordham University Athletics, I had the opportunity to interact with an array of athletes. The Hail Mary consists of the words "Hail Mary, full of grace" followed by "the Lord is with you." An understanding mind that this competition is among friends. "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. 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). Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Help us to be aware Help me run with purpose in every step. 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? And in all things may Christ be praised! 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!. Amen. Help us all to play in a Christ-like manner. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Help me to understand and internalize your word, and act according to your will. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Strengthen my effort and focus when I train for my sport, and for the race I am running for the eternal prize. 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. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. Through the pain and through the cheers, I will not give in or give up. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. I sweat for the One who made me. We ask that all involved in today's/tonight's game may be kept free from Prayer for Training All-knowing Savior, the training and rigor is not fun. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. Include mini meets in practice that simulate the competition. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. 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). 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? If you did well, give glory to Jesus. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. 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. My body is Your temple; nothing enters my body that is not honoring to You. Athlete's team prayer before a game of sport (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). 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. Prayer for My Light Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. Help me to be a good sport. Win or lose, we hope to have fun, make friends and celebrate life. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. 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). Help us internalize the values of humility and sportsmanship, and grant us the humility or courage to accept whatever result awaits us. Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates these themes and asks God for protection of all athletes involved. Many times, pre-game prayers can be like a rah-rah talk or a desperate plea to God for a big win. So what follows is both practical and provocative. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. 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. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit. "(Philippians 4:13, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord ". 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. A few post-game ideas as we close. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. A few post-game ideas as we close. Their reasons for using these. 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. 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. 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. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 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 is no greater victory. My passion for competition comes from above. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Remind me that sports are just games. Why Does Modern Architecture Look So Bad? Bless the winners that they may be humble in their victory. Please keep them all safe on their way to my game, during my game, and on their way home from the game. I feel Your delight when I compete. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 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. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. 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. My drive comes from the Holy Spirit. 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. 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.. Help me to play well, to use my talents to the fullest. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, If you can think of more than one, recount them all! that we not take days like this for granted.