Also featuring daily morning and evening prayers, and petitions for various occasions and events. Once the game clock goes to zero, its a great time for gratitude. of his presence with us in the game. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. prayers to prepare: before competition Pregame routines are important psychologically and spiritually for athletes. And God granted his request. Allow the losers to learn that they are already winners because of their willingness to share their talents. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. Read more: I feel Your delight when I compete. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. It includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. Let joy fill the sails of my heart. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. Amen. And as we ask for Your forgiveness, please help us to be reminded that we, too, should forgive as You have done. Sign up for all the latest articles, resources, and tools to help you grow as a leader on your team and in life. In the days beyond this one, please guide us with Your everlasting and unfailing love so that we may continue to live and touch others with what good we have within, so that we may leave our mistakes in the past, and so that we may be better children of Yours. That would be radical, but it would also be retraining our hearts to properly worship in the midst of competition. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. Psalm 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 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. Self Awareness. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. 3. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! Prayer to Build Each Other Up Heavenly Father, please bless todays game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. and with respect for members of the opposing team. Always let me help my. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. How we process the post-game is important. 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. God, let me play well but fairly. The narrative in your head before competition should be mindful and purposeful. They will soar on wings like eagles; Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. 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. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. Let the winners learn that they succeeded because of your blessing and guiding presence. I desire to pour out my heart before You every day that I compete. Help us to play in a way that fosters goodwill, teamwork and makes great memories for us to cherish the rest of our lives. Develop in me a pure heart. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Every game has planned breaks in the actionhalftime, quarters, time between periods, races, etc. Show her the way to give also strength of those girls around her so that she to can help them to achieve their goals. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries. Though war may rise against me,in this I will be confident. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. 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. As God goes with us, so we go with God into the athletic arena. "(Philippians 4:13, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord Food. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Help us all to play in a Christ-like manner. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV), "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Christian prayer should express our dependence upon God for all things and the centrality of forgiveness found in the gospel. Check out this great video from Pastor Rick Warren on how to fight discouragement and finish your goals. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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. My love for the game is evidence of my love for You. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Your email address will not be published. But including prayer in our pregame is not difficult. Amen. Help me to understand and internalize your word, and act according to your will. So what follows is both practical and provocative. Amen. But as true competitors, we need to ask, What is the proper way to pray before entering the battle? -Psalm 62:8. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. I am humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Provide athletes with additional competition opportunities at as many local-level meets as possible. 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. 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. A few post-game ideas as we close. Amen. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. My arms can bend a bow of bronze. If you can think of more than one, recount them all! Repetition in a familiar environment can help alleviate a lot of stress when preparing the athlete for competition. Amen. I have a really tough game today, and I am nervous. We ask this in your name, Lord Jesus. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. Amen. Lord Jesus, you tell us that whenever two or more are gathered in your name, you are present in their midst. It is often said before and after athletic competitions to help athletes win. Strengthen my weak hands and feeble knees. It includes gratitude for gold medals and if you gave up the winning goal. This doesnt mean that we spend our entire day with hands folded or held up to the heavens saying formal prayers. I pray that all who play this game today are protected from physical harm. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. My words inspire and motivate. my heart. 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. They will soar on wings like eagles; Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together this afternoon/evening in competition. 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. Olympic athletes have a unique opportunity every four years to inspire the world with their physical strength, graceful movements and mental stamina. 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. And so we are confident that as we lift up our thoughts to you, you are indeed with us. Amen. Set yourself up for success by talking through the event in a positive, uplifting way, as a coach would motivate their team. A few days before the start of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul, the French team is traveling to a battered country. 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). We ask You now, dear God, to equip us with all the things necessary to make us conduct this event truly in Your honor. 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. 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. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to the world. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. May all our actions give glory to your name and promote peace and love to theworld. Prayer for Competition God, let me play well, but fairly. Let me run in the land of my dreams. May you bless the organizers, judges, athletes and everyone, For their cooperation and unity in making. Always remember hes a good father who loves his kids and is making you into a person that reflects His character. There is no greater victory. You train my hands for battle. Prayer for Grace God our Father, you have created usto strive for the best. 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. The Sovereign Lord is high and holy and can handle your disappointment for sure. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Amen. Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Their reasons for using these. What are your pre-game prayers like? Amen. In your name, I pray. Please bless our team with passion for this wonderful sport, with unity of heart and mind and with a vision to try our hardest. My heart yearns for Your applause. Help us to play with all our strength and with the spirit of good sportsmanship. Help her to see the way clearly and guide her to her goal. Help me keep my sense of humor during the stress of the game, and the grace to follow the rules. Many times there may be even be opportunities for group prayer among Christians on your team. let it be a good one. 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. Keep my light strong and bright. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Dear Lord God, Thank you for all the gifts you have given us. My only goal is to glorify the name of Christ. We ask that all involved in today's/tonight's game may be kept free from We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite This year many Olympians have added another. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. 6. 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. 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 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. 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.. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Be encouraged as you prepare to give of your best in this event! Prayer For Complete Healing In Jesus Name, Prayer For Complete Healing After Surgery. injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you. 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. It includes the touchdown you scored and the time you got burned for a touchdown. Amen. weeks and days before. There's a great theological truth you need to know: When you step on the playing field, God is with you. It's FREE! Amen. Grant us the patience and the determination to face each question and challenges in life, as well as the ones in this competition. 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. 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. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind isprepare. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. We ask you, Father, to bless each one of us and especially the coaches, officials and players. You told me to run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. They do it to get a crown that will not last. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Develop in me a pure heart. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. If you did well, give glory to Jesus. 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. Prayers as athletes who follow Jesus should be no different. Lord, I admit that my prayers before competition are more focused on the scoreboard than on becoming like You. I know you will strengthen Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. Dear God, we thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as enemies but as friends. Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! Prayer For Competition 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. In your holy name, I pray. Prayer before Tough Game Heavenly Father, you promised that you would not abandon me. Always let me help my opponent up. "(Philippians 3:13-15, TLB), "I can do all this through him who gives me strength. An Athlete's Prayer Dear God, Today is game day and I place myself in your loving hands. Many times in these gaps the team talks to one another and receives instruction from the coaching staff. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Prayer to Understand Winning Dear Jesus, all good athletes are disciplined in their training. In today's society prayer has been a pivotal part of many athletes' lives. Keep us under the protection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Keep us safe from injury and harm. Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reachmore than 20 million unique users per month! A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win. Amen. So what follows is both practical and provocative. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Amen. Ive put in the work. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. To those who lack might, you increase their power. I train to bring You glory. My sweat is an offering to my heavenly Master. You enable me to stand on heights. Just remember you dont win or lose because of your lucky socks or your lucky prayers. We pray for the safety of these athletes. Please keep them all safe on their way to my game, during my game, and on their way home from the game. Today, we gather together to represent our School/Church. Prayer for Courage Dear Jesus, though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Before competition, the word I want you to have in your mind is prepare. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. I am under Your authority. Let me be all of this now for You. Thank God for at least one specific blessing that took place in the competition. There are practices, games and time spent in coach's offices as well as at home. 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.. 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. New subscribers receive the first chapter of my new book: The Christian Athlete (and other resources too). Amen., 41 Ways to Use Sports in Your Youth Ministry. Prayer for Help through Injury Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. 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. The prayer can be simply focused on the health and well-being of all involved, and that each athlete will perform their best. Some athletes in America recite this prayer before competitions in our day. Amen. Let this free me from anxiety and fear of failure., Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. Help us to remember that we are all your children, no matter what uniform we wear. 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 includes that slower time in the race that devastates you after training so hard for better results. Help us to be the best we can possibly be, striving to play fairly and to play well. Help all we do with this event to reflect your presence among us and within us. You'll 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. the outcome. 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. "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. 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. We need to develop the life habit of thanking God for everything that He allows into our life and story. "(Phil 3:13-15, NIV), "but those who hope in the Lord If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Prayer for Training All-knowing Savior, the training and rigor is not fun. Our opponents are very good, and we need to win this game. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show goodsportsmanship despite the outcome. Amen. Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at home. 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. Theres a great theological truth you need to know:When you step on the playing field, God is with you.