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 your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." Help us to play in a way that fosters goodwill, teamwork and makes great memories for us to cherish the rest of our lives. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our words and our actions, is pleasing to you. Amen. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. In his message for the Jubilee of Sports, he composed a short prayer for all athletes,. 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. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. 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. 6. Amen. . As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. 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 Competition Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. And realize that as long as they have done their best, it is also a victory for them. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Amen. Bless the winners that they may be humble in their victory. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Psalm 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. let it be a good one. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. Thank you for showing me my ability to play sports. Thank you for giving me your word. Help us all to play in a Christ-like manner. As a true competitor, what is the correct way to pray before entering the heat of battle? Help us to remember that we are all your children, no matter what uniform we wear. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. If I lose,keep me from envy. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. Help us to be aware of his presence with us in the game. The athlete pregame prayer should instead be about no turning back, I will . 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. Athlete's team prayer before a game of sport (a team prayer for before a sports game such as football or baseball). I wait for you, Lord, to give me new strengthto run and not get tired. Sign up for all the latest articles, resources, and tools to help you grow as a leader on your team and in life. I utter what You desire. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. You train my hands for battle. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. But the honest and noble way we get there. Let peace be my shield at the start. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV). No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. Repetition in a familiar environment can help alleviate a lot of stress when preparing the athlete for competition. Always let me help my opponent up. Help me train and play but not become weary. For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence Our opponents are very good, and we need to win this game. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their team. If through athletics I set an example, 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. The following prayer is fitting for a game, competition, workout, or even practice: Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Prayer for My Light Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. they will run and not grow weary, The content of this website is faithful to the Catholic faith with space for journeying, questioning, doubting, and searching. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Positive Parental Involvement In Sports, Spiritual Thirst A Reflection on the Samaritan, 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, he shall set me high upon a rock. Self Awareness. of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. We pray for the safety of these athletes. 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. 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. 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 . Make my path straight and give me the perseverance and grace to complete my training with all my effort and with a good attitude. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. Thank you for giving me your word. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. they will walk and not be faint." If you can think of more than one, recount them all! And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Help me run with purpose in every step. 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. Prayer for Conduct Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather togetherthis afternoon/evening in competition. Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory. Why Does Modern Architecture Look So Bad? In this way we perform an act of worship, showcasing the gifts which God has given us. Help me heart to fully realize that the training will yield bountiful fruit. -Psalm 62:8. And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Amen. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. 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. Help us to play with all our strength and with the spirit of good sportsmanship. 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? 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. I have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. Grant that we not take days like this for granted. My heart yearns for Your applause. Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. This we ask through Christ, our Lord, Amen. A few post-game ideas as we close. 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. Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. I Thessalonians 5 tells us to give thanks in all things. It is a wonderful prayer to recite but we must not forget that it was also an example of HOW we should pray. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Help me to learn something that matters Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. "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. That would stoop into superstition and silliness (Ive got my eye on you baseball players!). Amen. and with respect for members of the opposing team. Amen. Amen. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 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 me to be a good sport. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Here is a great prayer that you can pray before a game, competition, workout or even practice: "Lord, I compete for You alone. All our latest music releases in one place! I pray that all who play this game today are protected from physical harm. Typically, athletes engage in sport-related prayer to seek secular goals such as performance enhancement and victory. Let me be all of this now for You. And most of all, help me to be a good example to other athletes. I am exhausted from training and playing hard. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. Being disappointed and hurting because of the loss is not ungodlyit is quite human. In Your name, I pray. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit of sportsmanship Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. 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. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. You stoop down to make me great. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. PRAYERS TO PREPARE: BEFORE COMPETITION Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. Let the winners learn that they succeeded because of your blessing and guiding presence. An issue has occurred. Amen. Bless us with a team spirit of goodwill, both for ourselves and for the team we face in the game. It's FREE! We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. Help us hit our mark and not make mistakes. I train to bring You glory. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. 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. I will submit to You as my Ultimate Coach. Prayer for Sportsmanship Conduct All-powerful Lord, help me to play the game with all my energy and strength. 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. once the game is over. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016. I do it to get a crown that will last forever. Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. 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. Remind me that sports are just games. Universe of Faith is an initiative of the Pastoral Formation Institute, Malta. my heart. My passion for competition comes from above. Athlete's Prayer God, let me play well but fairly. Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. And in all things may Christ be praised! To win is to honor Him. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. An Athlete's Prayer Dear God, Today is game day and I place myself in your loving hands. My drive comes from the Holy Spirit. ", The First Black NFL Coach You Likely Havent Heard Of. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. How we process the post-game is important. Maywe play hard and fair. Amen. 2. Amen. Theres a great theological truth you need to know:When you step on the playing field, God is with you. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. Prayer of Thanks for the Game Loving Savior, thank you for the opportunity we have in this nation to compete and use our talents through sports. I will play by the rules. of his presence with us in the game. 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. 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. "My Three Daughters Practice Athletics" Positive The Future Has Many Faces A Reflection. Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. Amen. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. Your email address will not be published. Olympic athletes have a unique opportunity every four years to inspire the world with their physical strength, graceful movements and mental stamina. will renew their strength. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. And so we are confident that as we lift up our thoughts to you, you are indeed with us. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. 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. Unless noted otherwise, the material of this website is copyright free. 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? No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. There is training, striving and becomingboth on the field and off. 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! Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. Help us to be aware Let me run in the land of my dreams. 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. 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. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time for gratitude. Amen. Always let me help my. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. I serve those on my team and those I compete against. 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). That would stoop into superstition and silliness (I've got my eye on you baseball players!). We ask this through Christ, our Lord. To those who lack might, you increase their power. Check out this great video from Pastor Rick Warren on how to fight discouragement and finish your goals. Grant to all athletes, coaches, and fans, strength to pursue excellenceduring this event. Run with her today .. run with her to finish in the top 6 of the Regional cross country. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to the world. "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 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. 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. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Give us the grace to play our best, to be a good sport, win or lose, and to honor you with our efforts. 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. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. I am under Your authority. For the Christian athlete prayer is a practice of the presence of God in relationship in the midst of all things. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. Keep Jesus' words in mind as we reflect on how we shouldpray: Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. ". Lord, I call upon you to say to my daughter pick yourself up and run with the wind, faster than you have ever before. 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. I wear Your jersey, Lord. We pray that we would look to you in awe and worship. My body is Your temple; nothing enters my body that is not honoring to You. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. Their reasons for using these. It's FREE! Please bless our team with passion for this wonderful sport, with unity of heart and mind and with a vision to try our hardest. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! 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. There is no greater victory. I declare my loyalty to You. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Amen. Understanding what God wants could change your approach to prayer. Many times pre-game prayers can be a "rah-rah" talk or desperate plea for a big win. The champion inside of me is Jesus. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. Amen. Hearing athletes and coaches pray before competition is always interesting. 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. Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, Help me heart fully feel your love and the life that you give. Practice Positive Self Talk. It has been renamed and reposted here with Reids permission. The Hail Mary consists of the words "Hail Mary, full of grace" followed by "the Lord is with you." Let us enter into the competition in a spirit ofsportsmanship and with respect for members of the opposing team. Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. Just remember you dont win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. Thank you for all you have given me. Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Crying out to God and lamenting in these moments is legitimate prayer. We ask that all involved in today's/tonight's game may be kept free from Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. 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. 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!. And God granted his request. 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. They do it to get a crown that will not last. 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. Always let me help my opponent up. I know you will strengthen my heart. Amen. Give each one of us the courage to play the game in a manner, which by our wordsand our actions, is pleasing to you. I feel Your delight when I compete. Athletic competition is a very human endeavor. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. Amen. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 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. Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. 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? 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). 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 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. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence among us and within us.