Prayer For Sportsmanship
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together this afternoon/evening in competition. We ask that all of those involved today/tonight may conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner and show good sportsmanship despite the outcome. 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. We ask that all involved in today's/tonight's game may be kept free from injuries and that you will be with us as we leave this place today/tonight. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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. Please help them to judge wisely and fairly so that we can have a fair game, win or lose. Strengthen their concentration so that they have a laser-like focus all during the game and can see what they need to see. Amen.
Merciful God, you give strength to the weary. To those who lack might, you increase their power. I am exhausted from training and playing hard. I wait for you, Lord, to give me new strength to run and not get tired. Help me train and play but not become weary. Fill my being with your holy power. Amen.
Loving Savior, thank you for the opportunity we have in this nation to compete and use our talents through sports. We know that there are people around that world that cannot compete because of violence, poverty or discrimination. Remind us how blessed we truly are. Put it on our hearts to give our best and treat each other with the utmost respect. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, please bless today's game, our opponents, our team and all who are watching us play. Thank you for the opportunity to compete and bring out the best in each other. May we play hard and fair. Show us opportunities to build each other up, spiritually, emotionally and physically. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Light of the world, my Lord, you truly are the light of the world. Thank you for showing me my ability to play sports. 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. You have let me become a light! You have made my light shine before everyone! Thank you for what you have done for me. Keep my light strong and bright. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
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. Please wrap us in your wings so that we can all play an enjoyable game that is safe and responsible. 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. Amen.
God, let me play well, but fairly. Let the competition make me strong, but never hostile. Forbid me from rejoicing in the adversity of others. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. If I know victory, allow me to be happy. If I lose, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. And most of all, help me to be a good example to other athletes. Amen.