The Christian AthleteSample

Christian Athletes Pray Kingdom-Minded Prayers

Is it ok to pray for success in sports? I think so. However, a Christian athlete has a prayer life that ventures beyond themselves and pleads for the good of others as well.

They have a maturing understanding of what God wants through consistent time in the Bible and they make an effort to ask God for the grace and mercy to align their lives with his will.

Their prayer life is not perfect.

They do not always say the “right” things.

But the Christian athlete knows the privilege of having unlimited access to the God of the universe—and they take advantage of it. They do this not because they have to or because they know it’s what they are supposed to do. The Christian athlete does it because they truly love God and value their relationship with him above all else.

This growing relationship allows them to align their prayer life with Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:18 to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

Win or lose, the Christian athlete talks to God through prayer.

Injured or healthy, the Christian athlete talks to God through prayer.

Starter or benched, the Christian athlete talks to God through prayer.

They pray for their teammates, their coaches, their rivals, their trainers, their supporters, and yes, even their haters.

No matter the occasion, no matter the person, they pray.

Christian athlete prayer of the day:

“God I want to be in constant communication with you all day today. I want to sense your presence in an unmistakable way. Would you help me to do that today? I’m asking you, Holy Spirit, to interrupt my stagnant mental rhythms and help me to turn my attention towards you throughout the day. Help me to see other people the way you see them—and let that growing awareness lead to praying to you on their behalf. And I know I won’t do this perfectly. Thank you that you don’t want perfection in my prayers, you want a relationship. I give you my thoughts, my hands, and my heart today. Use them all to glorify your name. Amen.”

P.S. If you liked this 7-day devotional on The Christian Athlete, be sure to check out my website TheChristianAthlete.com and my book called The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports.