Sports Prayers
A Prayer to Prepare
God, let the practice of my craft be expressed fully in the game today when I have opportunity. I’ve put in the work. Let my mind to be clear and focused so I can execute to the best of my abilities.
Before Competition
Lord, let me hold no grudges against coaches, officials or my competitors today. No matter what they do, no matter how wicked, please allow me to forgive. Let no root of bitterness get stuck in my soul today because of a game.
- Author Unknown
Pre-Game Opening Prayer
Father in Heaven, we ask your blessing on the game we are about to play. Give each one of us the courage to play this game in a manner which by our words and our actions is pleasing to you. Let us enter into this competition in a spirit of sportsmanship and with a respect for the members of the opposing team. We ask You, Father to bless each one of us, especially the coaches, officials, parents and players. Keep us under the protection of your son, Jesus Christ, and help us be aware of his presence with us in this game,
Amen.
Prayer for Athletes
Dear God, Please take this moment in my life and use me to give you glory and praise. Take my passion for this sport, may it light up with your love. Take the hours of training and my commitment to excellence. Please use it to bring joy and inspiration to others. Take my desire to be the best in sport I can be. May you speak your truth and hope through me. In Jesus name,
Amen.
Parent's Prayer
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 kingdom where you live and reign for ever and ever,
Amen.
Athlete's 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. Please bless our team with passion for this wonderful sport, with unity of heart and mind and with a vision to try our hardest. May we be focused on carrying the legacy of your great love in our lives as we play today,
Amen.
Let Love Fill My Lungs
Let love fill my lungs as I breathe for this race, Let joy fill the sails of my heart. Let faith be the wind that I feel on my face, Let peace be my shield at the start. Let hope flood my mind and grace give me strength, Let me run in the land of my dreams. Let praise be the sound that fills up my soul, Let me be all of this now for You.
A Prayer for Those Involved in Sports
O God, you gave us bodies—as well as minds and hearts—with which to praise and worship you. Our sports and exercises are a fitting use of gifts and talents you have given us. Bless our workouts and the games we play, and those with whom we exercise or compete. Give us strength, endurance, courage and agility as we compete or train. Keep us safe and healthy as we celebrate our physical and mental skills in sport.
Prayer of the Sportsman
Dear Lord, in the battle that goes on through life, I ask but a field that is fair, a chance that is equal with all in the strife, the courage to strive and to dare. If I should win, let it be by the code, with my faith and my honor held high. If I should lose, let me stand by the road and cheer as the winners go by.
Athlete's Prayer
God, let me play well but fairly, help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Always let me help my opponent up. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games. If through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
Prayer of Competition
Dear Father, may we compete with Your heart shining through ours. May we push ourselves to be what You tell us we can be. May we have kindness in our hearts, mindfulness in our souls, and endurance to finish. Keep us and our competitors safe from harm, and let our actions be a testament to your glory,
Amen.
God, Be in My Sport
Dear God, thank you for giving me life and my athletic abilities. Help me to play well, to use my talents to the fullest. Help me to use them as gifts from you. Be with me when I need to play hurt, when I have to deal with the pain of injury, disappointment or losing. Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you. For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do. I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly human person you destined me to be,
Amen.
- Author Unknown
Know a prayer that could be added to this page? Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer
To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu
Jesuitresource.org is developed by The Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education. Learn more about Jesuit Resource.