Share with us your Spirit of peace and love for one another. Strengthen my effort and focus when I train for my sport, and for the race I am running for the eternal prize. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit ofsportsmanship and with respect for members of the opposing team. Include mini meets in practice that simulate the 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. My drive comes from the Holy Spirit. Amen. 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. Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. Help me run with purpose in every step. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. Being the best person you can be does not go without its setbacks. Many times, pre-game prayers can be like a rah-rah talk or a desperate plea to God for a big win. May your loving heart fill each of us so that, We could realize that it is not winning that truly counts. 3. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. 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. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. 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). Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, I do it to get a crown that will last forever. 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. Help us to be aware of his presence with us in the game. "My Three Daughters Practice Athletics" Positive The Future Has Many Faces A Reflection. once the game is over. 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). I feel Your delight when I compete. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. Prayer for Exhaustion Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. God is our refuge." All of my abilities are from You, Jesus. I wait for you, Lord, to give me new strengthto run and not get tired. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. Prayer for Eternal Prize Powerful Father, you told me that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. I pray that you may find him and be found in him before, during, and after you enter your athletic arena. Amen. Develop in me a pure heart. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret place of his tabernacle he shall hide me, We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Remind me that sports are just games. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. 2019, Universe of Faith - Never Stop Searching. 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. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. Grant to all athletes, coaches, and fans, strength to pursue excellenceduring this event. Lord Jesus, we welcome your presence here among us and In our community of (Insert School/League Name). Amen. A few days before the start of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul, the French team is traveling to a battered country. Thank you for giving me your word. You enable me to stand on heights. 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. The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. If you did terrible give your pain to him as well in prayer. Do you define winning by the scoreboard or by Christlike competition? The Hail Mary consists of the words "Hail Mary, full of grace" followed by "the Lord is with you." See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. In Your name, I pray. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite They do it to get a crown that will not last. I play for You, Lord, when I put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. 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! We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. I know you will strengthen my heart. And realize that they would not have succeeded without you. Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. Grant that we not take days like this for granted. 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. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross. I am exhausted from training and playing hard. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, All these we ask in your mighty name, amen. In his message for the Jubilee of Sports, he composed a short prayer for all athletes,. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. But as true competitors, we need to ask, What is the proper way to pray before entering the battle? Help us to conduct ourselves as you would, with grace and kindness. Lord, I compete for You alone. Through the pain and through the cheers, I will not give in or give up. 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. Grant I wear Your jersey, Lord. Reid Monaghan is a former University of North Carolina wrestler, AIA staff person, and pastor. 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. Help us internalize the values of humility and sportsmanship, and grant us the humility or courage to accept whatever result awaits us. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Christian athletes are not perfect but we should practice repentance and own where we screw up. If I lose,keep me from envy. Loving Father, we deeply gratify You for Your divine presence from the distant past, to the exact present, and in the near future. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. It does mean that all of life is spent in the presence of God and in a posture of heart that is prayerful. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Protect them from injury and harm. 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. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. We thank you especially for the ability to participate in sports today together, as a team. Thank you for what you have done for me. * This was written by Reid Monaghan and was posted at athletesinaction.org in 2016. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Help us to remember that we are all your children, no matter what uniform we wear. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. weeks and days before. I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage. 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. Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. You are literally preparing to walk with God in the midst of a highly competitive, fast moving and intense environment. Help me to learn something that matters 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. Prayer for Awareness of Gods Presence Father in Heaven, we ask Your blessing on the game we are about to play. 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. The act of praying is a way for an athlete to think they can attain an edge, so they can compete better. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. Prayer before Tough Game Heavenly Father, you promised that you would not abandon me. Grant your wisdom that the contestants will value more the camaraderie and cooperation that would happen today more that the glory of winning. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. 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). Sign up for our Premium service. they will walk and not be faint." 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. 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!!!. Therefore, when a Christian athlete prays before a competition he/she is praying to act up to their fullest potential. 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. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to the world. These pauses also contain moments where the Christian athlete can talk to the King. 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. Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you. She is in need of your help to get her through these hard times of physical and mental restraint. Click here St. John Paul II was an avid sportsman who loved skiing, hiking and playing soccer. 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. 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. that we not take days like this for granted. Just remember you don't win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. I will submit to You as my Ultimate Coach. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. "(Philippians 4:13, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like 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 you've made me to do!. -Psalm 62:8. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. Prayer for the Team Dear Lord, you have blessed our team with many gifts and talents. Help me to use them as gifts from you. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. And realize that as long as they have done their best, it is also a victory for them. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. All of life is in relationship with God for the Christian and this certainly includes the moments before, during and after our games. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am under Your authority. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Pray for athletes with this prayer to St. Sebastian. Prayer for Athletes The Hail Mary is a prayer that has been used by Catholics for centuries. 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. Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. they will run and not grow weary, Amen. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. Let us enter into the competition in a spirit of sportsmanship And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. In today's society prayer has been a pivotal part of many athletes' lives. Many times during games we can forget that God is at work in the lives of many people. Amen. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Always let me help my opponent up. Help us to enter into this event with love, wisdom and strength in our hearts. Let me be all of this now for You. 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. Thank God that even these things are ordered for your growth and good. My passion for competition comes from above. But lets focus here on your personal prayer life. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. 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. We dont want to stoop down into the mud of blaming God for defeats or just praising him for victories. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. 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. May it give you ideas for your own prayer life and move you towards action. We pray this in your most holy name. . Understanding what God wants could change your approach to prayer. 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. 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.. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Apologize to refs/officials, coaches, teammates or competitors if you were a jerk and lost your head in the game. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. will renew their strength. he shall set me high upon a rock. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us.