Bless the winners that they may be humble in their victory. Amen. Food. As a follower of Jesus, an attitude of gratitude is the right rhythm of heart after games. 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! 2. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, 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. My passion for competition comes from above. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. We pray for the safety of these athletes. 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. Self Awareness. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. Amen. 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. Also featuring daily morning and evening prayers, and petitions for various occasions and events. Check out this great video from Pastor Rick Warren on how to fight discouragement and finish your goals. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. Any athlete, regardless of sport or level of competition, should include a Athlete Mobility Workout in their training routine. Thank you for all you have given me. 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. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. 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 . I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Bless us with a team spirit of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit ofsportsmanship and with respect for members of the opposing team. So what follows is both practical and provocative. 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. I will submit to You as my Ultimate Coach. Sign up for all the latest articles, resources, and tools to help you grow as a leader on your team and in life. I have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. Help us to be aware of his presence with us in the game. I serve those on my team and those I compete against. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. Remind me that sports are just games. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. Amen. Amen. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. 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 for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. this momentous occasion a remarkable experience of your love and generosity. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. 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!!!. Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. Amen. Help me run with purpose in every step. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. How we process the post-game is important. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Help us all to play in a Christ-like manner. Ive put in the work. Your email address will not be published. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, among us and within us. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports, Spiritual Thirst A Reflection on the Samaritan, Your email address will not be published. Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our wordsand our actions, is pleasing to you. Have athletes perform in front of spectators and peers. Let me run in the land of my dreams. But as true competitors, we need to ask, What is the proper way to pray before entering the battle? Help us to be aware If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. SPORTS PRAYER BEFORE GAME ATHLETE'S PRAYER God, let me play well but fairly. Prayer of Thanks for Great Talent Lord, my Savior, it is you who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. Fill my being with your holy power. Amen. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. Keep them from injury, sickness, or harm of any kind. Develop in me a pure heart. We pray this in your most holy name. "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. We pray this in your most holy name. Keep us safe from injury and harm. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. 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. There is no greater victory. 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.. Win or lose, we hope to have fun, make friends and celebrate life. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. There are so many scriptures about God being our present help in a time of trouble(Psalm 46:1), our strength and our shield(Psalm 28:7), our comforter (Isaiah 40:1,Matthew 5:4,Romans 15:4,2 Thessalonians 2:16-17), the one who prepares our hand for battle (Psalm 144) and the one who will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5,6). The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite Amen. 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. Fill me with endurance to keep going with all my energy all the way to the end of the game. It has been renamed and reposted here with Reids permission. Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. 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. Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 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. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. Always let me help my opponent up. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. Lord, I compete for You alone. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. let it be a good one. Practice Positive Self Talk. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. Amen. My words inspire and motivate. May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today. I am under Your authority. Grant to all athletes, coaches, and fans, strength to pursue excellenceduring this event. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. The athletes who use a clear mindset are those you see before a competition talking to coaches, teammates, or even their competition. 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. I play for You, Lord, when I put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. Bless us with a team spirit Amen. 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. They do it to get a crown that will not last. In this way we perform an act of worship, showcasing the gifts which God has given us. 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!. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. Loving Father, we deeply gratify You for Your divine presence from the distant past, to the exact present, and in the near future. 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). All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. they will walk and not be faint." "My Three Daughters Practice Athletics" Positive The Future Has Many Faces A Reflection. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. An issue has occurred. Keep Jesus' words in mind as we reflect on how we shouldpray: Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Make me understand that the prize of winning the game here on earth will fade away, and that the real prize is eternal. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. they will run and not grow weary, It is not immodest to perform in the arena and display the talents which derive from God grace. 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). Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 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. 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. Help me to learn something that matters Lord Jesus, you tell us that whenever two or more are gathered in your name, you are present in their midst. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. Amen. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. This includes the wins as well as the losses. Prayer for My Light Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. Whatever happens today does not change that and I will come off the field as your child. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. With Prayerscapes songs, ministry tracks and meditative instrumental music. 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. In his message for the Jubilee of Sports, he composed a short prayer for all athletes,. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). Many times, pre-game prayers can be like a rah-rah talk or a desperate plea to God for a big win. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time forgratitude. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. I will respect and honor my teammates, coaches and opponents. "(Phil 3:13-15, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord In your holy name, I pray. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. Please help them to judge wisely and fairly so that we can have a fair game, win or lose. 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. Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. I Thessalonians 5 tells us to give thanks in all things. And finally, we pray for your grace,that you would provide uswith the endurance to pursue our heavenly prize:eternal life in Your Son. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. 3. Prayer before Tough Game Heavenly Father, you promised that you would not abandon me. They are often smiling, dancing around, chatting it up, or . Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. Grant And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Ive put in the work. 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. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Amen. The Hail Mary consists of the words "Hail Mary, full of grace" followed by "the Lord is with you." Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. Help us hit our mark and not make mistakes. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. To win is to honor Him. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, It's FREE! prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their 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. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Their reasons for using these. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others.