Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Maywe play hard and fair. they will walk and not be faint." It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. 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. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. (a prayer suitable for a team to pray before a sports game such as baseball, softball or basketball). An Athlete's Prayer Dear God, Today is game day and I place myself in your loving hands. will renew their strength. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. . "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 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. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind isprepare. Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. It is not immodest to perform in the arena and display the talents which derive from God grace. ", The First Black NFL Coach You Likely Havent Heard Of. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. The rituals before a competition can often make or break a quality performance for that athlete. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Protecting God, as we enter into this competition, we pray for our protection and for the protection of those with whom we will compete. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. Amen. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 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. God, let me play well but fairly. We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. Remind us how blessed we truly are. 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. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Include mini meets in practice that simulate the competition. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. Ive put in the work. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. The following prayer is fitting for a game, competition, workout, or even practice: I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. They will soar on wings like eagles; Grant us the patience and the determination to face each question and challenges in life, as well as the ones in this competition. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 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. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. Amen. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. We pray for the safety of these athletes. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. 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. The I Thessalonians 5passage tells us togive thanks in all things. Develop in me a pure heart. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to the world. All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. My only goal is to glorify the name of Christ. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. And finally, we pray for your grace,that you would provide uswith the endurance to pursue our heavenly prize:eternal life in Your Son. the outcome. 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. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Prayer for Conduct Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather togetherthis afternoon/evening in competition. Thank you for what you have done for me. 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. 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!!!. 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! New subscribers receive the first chapter of my new book: The Christian Athlete (and other resources too). Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Amen. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. 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. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. 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. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 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 . Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. 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. They do it to get a crown that will not last. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. Lord, I call upon you to say to my daughter pick yourself up and run with the wind, faster than you have ever before. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Remind me that sports are just games. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you. Bless us with a team spirit of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. And realize that as long as they have done their best, it is also a victory for them. I wear Your jersey, 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. Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. 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. Our opponents are very good, and we need to win this game. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. 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. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Let joy fill the sails of my heart. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Help me to use them as gifts from you. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. How can you develop your prayer life in the arena of competition? You make my feet like the feet of a deer. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. they will run and not grow weary, 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. 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). 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. my heart. 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? Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Keep us safe from injury and harm. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. Athletes prayer for basketball match Almighty God, We praise your name, we lift you high with every move, each throw we make and with the celebration of every point we score. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. 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. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. 6. With Prayerscapes songs, ministry tracks and meditative instrumental music. Amen. Thank you for giving me your word. You train my hands for battle. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. 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. And God granted his request. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. Develop in me a pure heart. Food. Self Awareness. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. If I know victory, allow me to be happy. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. Bless also the losers that they may be gracious in their loss. You have let me become a light! 2. -Psalm 62:8. Bless us with a team spirit Help the team work well and communicate with each other. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Amen. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. Calm or minds so we can think clearly and play our best. Help me to learn something that matters She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. Just click to listen now. Do you define winning by the scoreboard or by Christlike competition? Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Grant your wisdom that the contestants will value more the camaraderie and cooperation that would happen today more that the glory of winning. I declare my loyalty to You. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. 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). Amen. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. Understanding what God wants could change your approach to prayer. 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. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. Amen. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. For Hard Times For Financial Prosperity For Physical Health For Emotional Health For Protection For a Marriage For Babies and Pregnancy For Family For Spiritual Warfare For Spiritual Health For a Death For the Workplace For Bedtime, Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Also featuring daily morning and evening prayers, and petitions for various occasions and events. It's FREE! So what follows is both practical and provocative. Athletes who emphasize mobility training can improve their overall movement patterns, maintain . And in all things may Christ be praised! Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Some of these habits, may include praying. Psalm 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 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. Please try again or contact website administrator. 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.. Prayer for Goodwill Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us andIn our community of (Insert School/League Name).