Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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. Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. weeks and days before. Lord, I compete for You alone. She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 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!!!. Amen. 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. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time forgratitude. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Self Awareness. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind isprepare. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. Thank you for what you have done for me. Amen. An understanding mind that this competition is among friends. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. My passion for competition comes from above. The content of this website is faithful to the Catholic faith with space for journeying, questioning, doubting, and searching. Amen. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! God, let me play well but fairly. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. 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. It has been renamed and reposted here with Reids permission. Food. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. In this way we perform an act of worship, showcasing the gifts which God has given us. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. Help us to remember that we are all It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports, Spiritual Thirst A Reflection on the Samaritan, Your email address will not be published. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. 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. In Your name, I pray. Sign up for all the latest articles, resources, and tools to help you grow as a leader on your team and in life. they will walk and not be faint." Grant that we not take days like this for granted. Always let me help my. "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. Amen. Amen. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. What are your pre-game prayers like? 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. This year many Olympians have added another. I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. Help me heart fully feel your love and the life that you give. Amen. Some of these habits, may include praying. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. 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. 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. once the game is over. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. They do it to get a crown that will not last. Theres a great theological truth you need to know:When you step on the playing field, God is with you. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. 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. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. We pray for the safety of these athletes. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. my heart. I play for You, Lord, when I put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. 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. 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. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries. "Pour out your hearts before Him. And finally, we pray for your grace,that you would provide uswith the endurance to pursue our heavenly prize:eternal life in Your Son. 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. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. I wait for you, Lord, to give me new strengthto run and not get tired. In today's society prayer has been a pivotal part of many athletes' lives. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Always let me help my opponent up. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. SPORTS PRAYER BEFORE GAME ATHLETE'S PRAYER God, let me play well but fairly. . Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. 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. There is no greater victory. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Many times, pre-game prayers can be like a rah-rah talk or a desperate plea to God for a big win. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. But as true competitors, we need to ask, What is the proper way to pray before entering the battle? Thank you for giving me your word. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. I declare my loyalty to You. Protect them from injury and harm. Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. Amen. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. It is not immodest to perform in the arena and display the talents which derive from God grace. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. 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. Athlete's Prayer God, let me play well but fairly. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind is prepare. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. Amen. If I lose,keep me from envy. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Fill my being with your holy power. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. 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. of his presence with us in the game. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. We pray that we would look to you in awe and worship. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. 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? Prayer of Thanks for Great Talent Lord, my Savior, it is you who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Please help them to judge wisely and fairly so that we can have a fair game, win or lose. Typically, athletes engage in sport-related prayer to seek secular goals such as performance enhancement and victory. We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. A few post-game ideas as we close. 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. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. 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. Keep Jesus' words in mind as we reflect on how we shouldpray: Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. This we ask through Christ, our Lord, Amen. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. Amen. 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? Therefore, when a Christian athlete prays before a competition he/she is praying to act up to their fullest potential. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. 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 . 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Make my path straight and give me the perseverance and grace to complete my training with all my effort and with a good attitude. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. My sweat is an offering to my heavenly Master. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time for gratitude. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. I know you will strengthen Amen. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 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.. Let peace be my shield at the start. Amen. Grant You stoop down to make me great. Prayer for Conduct Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather togetherthis afternoon/evening in competition. I will play by the rules. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. 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. To win is to honor Him. I serve those on my team and those I compete against. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." Bless also the losers that they may be gracious in their loss. of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. 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. Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Help us to play with all our strength and with the spirit of good sportsmanship. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. There are practices, games and time spent in coach's offices as well as at home. Help me to play well, to use my talents to the fullest. 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. Repetition in a familiar environment can help alleviate a lot of stress when preparing the athlete for competition. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. Being the best person you can be does not go without its setbacks. 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. 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. (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. I do it to get a crown that will last forever. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence among us and within us. Top Prayers Wishes for Athletes Before A Game May 27, 2022 by David Saleh Prayers Wishes for Athletes Before A Game: Winning is the objective of any competition, but you can't win alone; you need the help of others. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. this momentous occasion a remarkable experience of your love and generosity. Amen. In his message for the Jubilee of Sports, he composed a short prayer for all athletes,. Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. If through athletics I set an example, And realize that as long as they have done their best, it is also a victory for them. 2019, Universe of Faith - Never Stop Searching. 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. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. Settle my temper so that I treat everyone with courtesy. I do it to get a crown that will last forever. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. 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. 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. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. they will run and not grow weary, As a true competitor, what is the correct way to pray before entering the heat of battle? Run with her today .. run with her to finish in the top 6 of the Regional cross country. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. 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). I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. Prayer for Awareness of Gods Presence Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. Include mini meets in practice that simulate the competition. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! Guide us graciously so we may understand that in the end, real triumph is achieved when we do our best in honor of You, almighty Father, and not when we claim the trophy for ourselves after wee have done others wrong. 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. Read more: Amen. Amen. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. I sweat for the One who made me. Amen. 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). Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. 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? We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). Be with me when I need to play hurt, when I have to deal with the pain of injury, disappointment or losing. 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. "(Philippians 4:13, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord 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. your children, no matter what uniform we wear. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. Dear Lord, as we gather before you to participate in this academic contest, make us aware that we do this competition not for our own glory but to glorify your name. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. 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 for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show goodsportsmanship despite the outcome. I have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Remind me that sports are just games. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. 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. they will walk and not be faint." My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. will renew their strength. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. Your email address will not be published. God is our refuge." You train my hands for battle. Their reasons for using these. Help us hit our mark and not make mistakes. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. 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! A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. How we process the post-game is important. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. Lord Jesus, you tell us that whenever two or more are gathered in your name, you are present in their midst. Pray for athletes with this prayer to St. Sebastian. Here is a prayer from the Book of Blessings that incorporates these themes and asks God for protection of all athletes involved. Amen. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! Help us to play in a way that fosters goodwill, teamwork and makes great memories for us to cherish the rest of our lives. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. And in all things may Christ be praised! Prayer for the Team Dear Lord, you have blessed our team with many gifts and talents. Let me run in the land of my dreams. Thank you for all you have given me. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. 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!. He is currently president of the Gospel Underground. Keep them from injury, sickness, or harm of any kind. It's FREE! If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grant us the patience and the determination to face each question and challenges in life, as well as the ones in this competition. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. 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. It is tough and I am not enjoying it. Thank you for showing me my ability to play sports. 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. 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. 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. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Our opponents are very good, and we need to win this game. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Remind me that sports are just games. 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. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. he shall set me high upon a rock. Just click to listen now. This includes the wins as well as the losses. All our latest music releases in one place! Where sport culture, relationships, character, identity, and faith collide. The athletes who use a clear mindset are those you see before a competition talking to coaches, teammates, or even their competition. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV), "Dear God, may everything I am be a prayer to you". Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). In your name, I pray. 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. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. 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).