Sunday, June 14, 2015

Jesus' Model Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.



Amen.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Thanksgiving in Sport

Gracious Father in heaven,

I am daily thankful for all that comes with my life in (sport).

I am thankful for the athletic Abilities you have given me.

I am thankful for Bruises that heal.

I am thankful for Coaches who teach me.

I am thankful for Dreams of competing at my absolute best.

I am thankful for Excellence to pursue.

I am thankful for the Freedom You have given my soul.

I am thankful for the Grace You give me daily.

I am thankful for the Honor of representing You in (sport).

I am thankful for Imagination as I creatively express my heart in (sport).

I am thankful for Jesus' faithfulness.

I am thankful for the Kindness I experience in my sporting life.

I am thankful for the Love of God I feel when I compete.

I am thankful for Muscles to stretch, to flex, and to test.

I am thankful for the Newness of life I have in Christ.

I am thankful for Opportunities to serve You in (sport).

I am thankful for Perseverance through testing.

I am thankful for Quiet moments to hear Your voice.

I am thankful for Rest and Recovery.

I am thankful for Sport.

I am thankful for Teammates.

I am thankful for the Unity I sense with my teammates.

I am thankful for Victories won in (sport).

I am thankful for the Wonders of my life as a Christian competitor.

I am thankful for Your Spirit being the Xray of my heart and its desires.

I am thankful for You.

I am thankful for Zeal with which to pursue (sport) and life in Christ Jesus.

Amen. 

Confession for Idolizing Sport

Merciful Father,

My life in (sport) is central to who I am.

It shapes how I see the whole world.

It can even shape the way I perceive You.

I confess that (sport) is often an idol in my heart.

I confess that it has foolishly ruled my life.

I confess this as sin and repent of it.

Train my heart to worship You alone.

Lead me to complete devotion.

Shape my soul to value, but not to worship (sport).

I will trust You to develop a wise and Christ-honoring view of my life in (sport).

In Jesus' powerful name I pray,

Amen. 

For Experiencing God’s Presence in Sport


Father of heaven and earth,

The world and everything in it is Yours, including (sport).

You are present and active in the lives of all believers, including mine.

I confess that (sport) can overtake my mind and cloud the sense of Your presence that I desire.

Please awaken my soul and heighten my senses to Your nearness.

I will seek to hear, to see, to feel Your presence throughout this day in (sport).

All that I am and all that I possess is turned toward You and the expectation of experiencing (sport) with Your life transforming presence.

In Jesus’ name I trust and pray,

Amen. 

When Battling Performance Based Identity

Lord Jesus,


Thank You for my life in (sport). 

I confess that my flesh wants to find my identity in performance. 

The whole culture of sport drives me toward it.

My heart is committed to You.

My life in (sport) is in Your hands.

My performance is submitted to Your will.

My identity is found in my relationship with Christ Jesus, 100%.

No substitutes, no exceptions, no regrets.

On my best days and on my worst days, I will rest in the love of God.

I am His and He is mine.

In the name of Jesus, my soul’s banner, I pray,

Amen. 

Monday, June 8, 2015

Praise in Sport

Great God of Heaven and earth, 

I am in awe of all that You are.


I am amazed at Your power.


I am secure in Your presence.


I am in (sport) by Your providence.


I am rescued by Your mercy.


I am freed by Your forgiveness.


I am empowered by Your grace.


I am among teammates by Your provision.


I am full of praise, joy, and satisfaction.


I am a part of Your team, today, tomorrow,  and forever.


My redeemed soul offers this prayer of praise in Jesus' matchless name,

Amen. 

Worship in Sport

Father,


The world of sport is full of Your grace and glory.


My life in (sport) is surrounded by Your loving presence and merciful power.


I confess my heart's rebellious ways and I trust in your kind forgiveness.


I revel in our moments of quiet communion and in hours of furious activity.


I treasure both contemplation and competition.


I need Your presence to encourage my pursuit of bringing Your heart pleasure.


I commit this day and all it brings to Your honor and glory,


In Jesus' holy name,


Amen. 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Post-game Prayer

Father of Compassion,


Today's competition was tough and we were defeated.


We struggled mightily against a powerful opponent, but were overcome.


The sting of loss is strong, but temporary.


The momentary pain of defeat will soon fade.


Lead our hearts to recover.


Shepherd our bodies to rest.


Sooth our souls' disappointments.


We trust You with our lives in (sport).


In Jesus' name, 

Amen. 

Pregame Prayer

Powerful God of Heaven and earth,


Today's competition will require my absolute best and the same of my teammates.


Please give us to be at the heights of our abilities.


Please enable our hearts to be united.


Please grant us insight and wisdom.


Please infuse us with strength, speed, and endurance.


We would honor You with each and every second of this contest.


In Jesus' strong name we pray,


Amen. 

Post-game Prayer

Gracious Father,


Thank You for allowing me the privilege of competing in (sport).


I am thankful for Your presence as I competed.


I am thankful for the absence of injury.


I am hopeful that You were honored by my service in today's game.


I commit my performance and today's results to Your wise care and I pray in Jesus' name, 

Amen. 

Pregame Prayer

Strong Father in heaven,


It is game day and I am ready.


Every fiber of my being is poised and prepared for a great day of competition.


I commit every moment, every breath, every movement,  and every thought to You.


May I be blessed with Your provision as I compete?


May I be honored by Your presence in this game?


May I bring Your heart pleasure throughout this day?


I pray and compete in Jesus' name,


Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Loving Heavenly Father,


Thank You for (sport).


Thank You for how it tests my body's strength and endurance.


Thank You for how it challenges my mind's focus and attention.


Thank You for how it tests my spirit's will and emotions.


Thank You for how it tests my character, judgement, and heart.


I commit myself, my every virtue, my every weakness, to You as I compete.


May it honor You and bring you pleasure.


In Jesus' powerful name,


Amen.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Post-game Prayer

Father,

Thank You for today's game and the victory won.


We competed like champions and defeated a strong opponent.


Our souls are full and our bodies are drained.


We are richly blessed.


May we relish each moment of this celebration and be mindful of Your kindness throughout.


With excited hearts we shout, "Hallelujah,  Amen!"